Located in the hills behind
Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, the Green Oak Writer's Studio is the perfect spot for solitude, meditation and getting away so that one can concentrate. Efficiently designed, the compact 200 sq ft retreat packs in a lot of functionality while still remaining simply furnished so as not to distract. Designed by John Bertram of
Bertram Architects in collaboration with Eliot Mitchell, the writer's studio speaks to small space living and is surrounded by a beautiful
drought-tolerant landscape that provides oodles of inspiration.
Inspiration for the home office came from the “Russian word пустынь or poustinia (which literally means desert): a small simply furnished and preferably remote cabin to which a monk would retreat to fast and pray in solitude and silence.” The writer’s studio is located on a steep hillside behind the owner’s home and accessed via a winding bluestone stairway surrounded by agave, yucca, cactus and other drought-resistant plants. Partially set into the hillside and cantilevered out over the hill, the building is a careful balancing act between grounded practicality and inspiration taking flight.
The exterior is covered in IPE wood, which will naturally gray over time and requires little maintenance. Inside, handcrafted furnishings are built into the studio to make the most of the small space, fitting in an amply-sized desk, shelving, a bed and a bathroom. An outdoor shower takes advantage of the SoCal climate and leaves space inside free for other uses. A large corner window is set back from the exterior to create a large overhang, perfect for letting in daylight without causing a glare on the desk. The window provides spectacular views out over the hills and, on a clear day, out to the Pacific Ocean, which is perfect for any writer who needs a bit of inspiration.
+ Bertram Architects
Images ©Bertram Architects
I would be interested in discussing the specs and costs about this project if there is a way to dig deeper into the construction of this meditation space. Personally, I could live in that space, but envision a place where several of these that are positioned in a forested landscape.
We have four remote coastal sites in Madagascar, one a very isolated 30 hectare forest on an Indian Ocean beach. We are presently searching for the perfect design for tourist and research team accommodation, considering availability of materials, transport of materials to the remote locations, budget, and ability of the design to withstand extreme weather. This looks close, I love it.
fantastic please send the info. on this writers cube. thinking 4-5 of these would make a compound
Thank you all for your comments and kind words. This was a really fun project for us and we would love to be able to adapt it to other places and environments. Please don’t hesitate to contact us through our website for more information. -Eliot