![Container Studio / MB Architecture - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5009/0ad4/28ba/0d27/a700/1488/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1416624800)
Text description provided by the architects. The client needed an art studio close to her house (which we renovated in 2008). Her requirements were for a space of about 700 sf and a stringent budget of $60,000; and for a simple structure that would be both inviting and reflective.
![Container Studio / MB Architecture - Forest, Garden](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5009/0acf/28ba/0d27/a700/1487/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1416624807)
Our solution was to use two 9’-6” x 40’ x 8’ shipping containers (cost: $2,500 each, delivered) perched over a 9’ foundation wall/cellar. By cutting 75% of the floor of the containers, we were able to move the painting studio to a lower level via a wide staircase and take advantage of a high ceiling. The staircase itself acts as a transitional space for viewing art work.
![Container Studio / MB Architecture - Forest, Garden](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5009/0ad8/28ba/0d27/a700/1489/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1416624808)
The upper floor provides a more intimate work area and a sitting area.
![Container Studio / MB Architecture - Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5009/0aed/28ba/0d27/a700/148d/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1416624804)
The containers were painted dark charcoal to maintain continuity with the original house and to recede in the shadows of a dense wooded site.
![Container Studio / MB Architecture - Image 11 of 14](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5009/0b01/28ba/0d27/a700/1492/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1416624822)