David Smith Workshop Conversion
Bolton Landing, NY
Transforming the artist’s studio into 21st century live-work spaces, through a contemporary language of materials that engages the building’s complex hisotry and relationship with its site
The existing one-story 1,750 sf concrete masonry unit (CMU) structure was constructed in stages, first from 1941–1942, and subsequently in 1958 and 1961, as a sculpture studio by the artist David Smith. Beginning in 1974, the building has been renovated several times, to re-purpose it as a living space, interfering with its integrity, through partial and piecemeal repairs.
The current project includes selectively removing alterations, restoring and renovating existing interior spaces, including the addition of a new mezzanine, and the opening of the space towards the site’s existing pond. The improvement of the building’s overall thermal performance is achieved by both exposing historical construction technology and upgrading windows, doors, and walls.
Completion Date
2014
Collaborators
Structural: Donald W. Montgomery
Geothermal: Aztech Geothermal
General Contractor: Moreau Associates
Steel: Bonacio Metals
Millwork: Saranac Hollow Woodworking
Photography
Richard Barnes
Estate of David Smith
Recognition
National Museum of the 21st Century Arts (MAXXI), Erasmus Effect: Italian Architects Abroad
Process