Outbuildings
Studio Solution: A Kit Greenhouse Becomes a Creative Private Office
See how an inventive work-from-home designer made an office from a greenhouse, for some inspired thinking in the backyard
Freelance motion designer Philippe Vendrolini works almost exclusively from home, and ideas for a backyard office had always circled through the back of his mind. The addition of two children reduced available workspace in his San Francisco home and increased the ambient noise, fast-tracking the effort to find sanctuary. While he toyed with the idea of renting a commercial space, a shady, south-facing backyard area seemed ideal.
It's part of human nature to pursue personal space — whether in a remote corner of the yard or a quiet hallway nook — to work, to relax or simply to have a space that belongs only to us. Author Michael Pollan asked, “Is there anybody who hasn't at one time or another wished for such a place?” Here's how Vendrolini created his.
Project at a Glance
What: A backyard greenhouse studio
Location: San Francisco
Size: 8 by 12 feet
It's part of human nature to pursue personal space — whether in a remote corner of the yard or a quiet hallway nook — to work, to relax or simply to have a space that belongs only to us. Author Michael Pollan asked, “Is there anybody who hasn't at one time or another wished for such a place?” Here's how Vendrolini created his.
Project at a Glance
What: A backyard greenhouse studio
Location: San Francisco
Size: 8 by 12 feet
Vendrolini combines animation, graphic design and filmmaking in short films, commercials and other projects. He began his backyard office search by considering prefab studios, but cost and site logistics (hauling the structure up the steep San Francisco lot) had him looking for other ideas. After he perused some design blogs, a greenhouse studio presented itself as a pleasant alternative. “It’s light and is very much an indoor-outdoor experience,” he says.
Plus, isn’t it a lovely idea to nurture creativity inside a structure designed to nurture plants? While weight and price were practical considerations, Vendrolini says the warmth of a greenhouse also appealed to him.
Plus, isn’t it a lovely idea to nurture creativity inside a structure designed to nurture plants? While weight and price were practical considerations, Vendrolini says the warmth of a greenhouse also appealed to him.
Two months and four weeks after he placed his order, a cozy 96-square-foot greenhouse sat high above the property. Vendrolini chose a $13,000 kit from Sturdi-Built, an Oregon greenhouse company. Everything but a drill and a lot of patience was included, he says: “It was like a puzzle.” The kit gave him a sense of accomplishment from building with his own hands, with the peace of mind that comes from using a proven design.
Vendrolini prepared the site with a 16-foot by 24-foot deck, bolting the greenhouse directly to the deck. A line for lighting existed from a previous landscape project. Vendrolini brought an additional line and an Internet connection to the greenhouse.
Design note: A level foundation is necessary prior to building, whether a sturdy deck or patio, or a simple perimeter foundation. Securely anchoring your greenhouse against heavy winds or other inclement weather is essential. Be sure to confirm which tie-down method is advised for your structure, foundation and climate.
Vendrolini prepared the site with a 16-foot by 24-foot deck, bolting the greenhouse directly to the deck. A line for lighting existed from a previous landscape project. Vendrolini brought an additional line and an Internet connection to the greenhouse.
Design note: A level foundation is necessary prior to building, whether a sturdy deck or patio, or a simple perimeter foundation. Securely anchoring your greenhouse against heavy winds or other inclement weather is essential. Be sure to confirm which tie-down method is advised for your structure, foundation and climate.
Attention to detail and handiness proved essential — especially during tedious tasks like window glazing and caulking. The project progressed without too much trouble, though Vendrolini says an extra set of hands would have been helpful.
San Francisco's building codes allow one-story detached accessory buildings smaller than 100 square feet to be built without a permit, but codes vary by region, so check with your county's department of building inspection.
San Francisco's building codes allow one-story detached accessory buildings smaller than 100 square feet to be built without a permit, but codes vary by region, so check with your county's department of building inspection.
Vendrolini expanded upon the kit's step-by-step instructions to transform the greenhouse shell into an inspired backyard studio.
He installed engineered wood floors — recommended over hardwood for the increased expansion that can happen in a greenhouse. Ikea shelves hold a small library, and insulated wood siding finishes both the exterior and interior. Vendrolini even did his best to match the redwood stain of the greenhouse on the trim pieces he added. Opaque wall treatments, provided by the greenhouse company, add privacy and sun protection.
He installed engineered wood floors — recommended over hardwood for the increased expansion that can happen in a greenhouse. Ikea shelves hold a small library, and insulated wood siding finishes both the exterior and interior. Vendrolini even did his best to match the redwood stain of the greenhouse on the trim pieces he added. Opaque wall treatments, provided by the greenhouse company, add privacy and sun protection.
Humidity and watertight sealing had been concerns at first, but the greenhouse studio has proved itself against a San Francisco winter. With spring and summer on the horizon, it's time to store the portable space heater, and window blinds are next on the shopping list.
The greenhouse is affixed to the garden in a familiar way, as if it’s always been nestled up in that shady corner.
What Vendrolini finds most surprising is how excited he still is by the greenhouse — as much now as when he decided to build in summer 2012.
What Vendrolini finds most surprising is how excited he still is by the greenhouse — as much now as when he decided to build in summer 2012.
The studio's main benefits have been the change of scenery and escape from routine. And while his new commute to work is a little more of an effort now that his office isn't in the house itself (you can see his home's back deck from here), Vendrolini says working has become more intentional and focused. And every time he sits down at his desk, a previously successful project — his greenhouse — envelops him.
Vendrolini's tips, based on what he learned from his backyard studio project:
- Be endlessly patient.
- Give yourself plenty of time and get an extra set of hands to help you.
- Schedule your project for a time when there won't be rain.
- Take time to map out how much space you need for what you will be doing. Mark it out on the ground. You don't want it to be too small for the task you're envisioning for it, and you may not want it to dominate the yard.
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