The Reading Room
Manzanita, Oregon • 2022
At only 192 square feet in size, the Reading Room is a small gem of a building hidden in a residential back yard. Envisioned as a contemplative retreat, the focus was on creating a simple, tranquil structure whose presence can be felt in its rich materials and careful detailing. Lovingly constructed by a local craft builder, it incorporates symphony of different woods including red cedar, Douglas fir, ipe, Alaskan yellow cedar, and hand-split cedar shakes. The windows are high-efficiency units with cast bronze cladding, blending with the wood tones and providing long-term durability against the coastal salt air. Thinset marble floors over electric radiant heat keep the interior cozy while the occupants sit and read, surrounded by garden views. Bespoke exposed structural connectors were fabricated to add a subtle decorative touch.
