Photography studio by FT Architects features corrugated plastic walls and a faceted roof

Related story: Archery Hall and Boxing Club by FT ArchitectsThe interior space measures 4.5 by 7 metres and comprises an open-plan studio with a toilet built into one corner – a space   «solely composed of essential functions required for a photographic studio». Sheets of translucent corrugated plastic reveal the timber framework of this photography studio   in Japan by FT Architects, which also features   an angular white roof (+ slideshow). The roughly-hewn joists radiate down from the gable closest to the photographer’s house, giving the roof its asymmetric shape. Photography is by Shigeo Ogawa. «While the log beams were employed as pragmatic means to fulfil the brief, they also bring along symbolic associations of being one of the oldest building materials,» said the team. A large black door has been positioned off-centre on the east wall. Panels of corrugated polycarbonate were tacked onto the horizontal batons on the exterior, creating a rain screen that leaves the shed’s wooden structure largely visible. The unusually shaped roof was designed to reduce the impact of the horizontal supporting struts typical in gable roof construction. «Three ridge beams at the folding lines support the roof structure, negating the need for any horizontal members that may compromise the height of the room,» they said. On the opposite side of the space, a wide timber-framed window on the east side of the shed faces onto the garden to provide one direct source of sunlight. Inside, the door’s natural wooden surface is revealed. These low-level elements would otherwise have significantly reduced the height of the space and compromised the photographer’s ability to take a clear shot. The plastic cladding covers a window on the west side of the building, while a large skylight is glazed with frosted glass. Site plan –   click for larger imageFloor plan – click for larger imageLong section –   click for larger imageCross sections –   click for larger imageElevations –   click for larger image The Tokyo-based studio used a timber frame construction and a multi-faceted gable roof to create the largest possible volume on a tight budget. It slides open to provide an entrance point to the studio.