This Walden Pond–Inspired Writer’s Studio Holds a Trove of More Than 1,700 Poetry Books

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Project Details:

Location: Greenwich, Connecticut

Architect: Eric J. Smith Architect / @ericjsmitharchitect

Footprint: 650 square feet

Builder: Nordic Custom Builders

Structural & Civil Engineer: Dominick Pilla Engineers

Landscape Design: Elliot Templeton

Cabinetry Design: GRM Millwork

Photographer: Durston Saylor / @durstonsaylor

From the Architect: "After recently publishing his fifth book of poetry, a retired executive (and lifelong poet) decided to commit to his passion for writing full time. Inspired by a childhood dream of Thoreau’s Walden Pond, he wanted to create a small and simple, yet modern studio in which to write, reflect, and enjoy nature.

"To bring his vision to life, the poet called upon architect Eric J. Smith, an ardent classicist with a modern point of view. Eric had worked with this client before and was intrigued by the request to step outside of his preferred design sensibilities and to venture in a seemingly opposite aesthetic direction. Upon discussing the project further, it was decided that the Writer’s Studio was to be self-sufficient and secluded – located deep within a heavily wooded property in Connecticut and accessible by foot. Yet despite being seemingly off the grid, it also needed to be equipped to climatically preserve the client’s rare, 1,700 volume collection of poetry.

"Eric’s design of the Writer’s Studio succeeds in 'being of the place and of the person.' Portions appear as having always been there, while others are of a new transformative nature. Fieldstone walls, which echo the ruins of an abandoned spring house, have been repurposed with steel and glass; creating an openable and transparent enclosure; a cantilevering counterpoint suspended in the breeze. The studio’s stone walls conceal a robust steel structure, fully insulated yet incorporating pockets into which both the protective plank shutters and European engineered glass sliders retract. The building is also crafted to articulate the creative process, initiated by the commitment to enter.

"Upon arrival only one opening is visible. This narrow entrance penetrates the 30-inch thick walls. A protective wood shutter neatly slides into the stone, revealing a glass panel pocket door. Once inside, the initial space compresses, the ceiling low, exterior fieldstone becomes interior. Planks of fumed white oak form the floors, ceilings, and millwork built-ins. Oak shelves filled with the client’s 1,700 volume poetry collection line the passageway. A geothermal heating and cooling system has been installed to preserve this precious collection. Under one of the shelves, a wooden drawer conceals a trundle bed designed to accommodate the occasional overnight stay. To the left, a staircase ascends through a motorized roof hatch, accessing the panoramic roof deck.

"The shelves of poetry lead to a glass writing room, cantilevered high above a ravine, continuing the art of the poem. With apparent simplicity, this tiny building belies its complexity. Crafted with Eric’s exacting eye, every edge, corner and surface of the Writer’s Studio has been carefully considered."