Architect: Cannon Architects
Project Location: Penland, NC
Project Completion Date: 2014

Short Description: Phase 2 of the Penland School of Crafts 2-D studio required an approach sensitive to Penland’s mission of supporting individual and artistic growth through craft, while being tightly constrained by budget and site. Taking cues from the humble aesthetic of other Penland buildings, the design echoes the artistic pursuits within through structure and detailing that celebrate the craft of construction. Its studio spaces are layered across a simple form that opens with large expanses of glazing balanced with display walls, providing abundant natural light, inspirational views and a strong sense of connection to the surrounding landscape.

Architect’s Statement: Simplicity, sensitivity and detailing coalesce to serve and reflect a mission of craft and artistic growth. Phase 2 of the Penland School of Crafts 2-D studio building is a two story extension of the one story 2D Studio. The new building houses drawing and painting studios on the upper level and book arts on the lower level. Exterior balconies extend the studio spaces to outdoor work areas with commanding views of the mountain valley.   Environmental sustainability played a central role in the project. Solar orientation, storm water management, daylighting and management of energy consumption all contribute to the building’s small carbon footprint. Ultimately, the architecture nourishes and informs the two dimensional activities of painting, bookmaking, letterpress, and printmaking. This second phase of this two phase project reinforces the building’s significant functional contribution to Penland, its artisans and to the campus environment. Phases 1 & 2 wrap around a restored wood water tower structure, as well as recreate the outline of a former structure with a concrete retaining wall, both of which form a back drop for the studio buildings that project out to the valley and mountains beyond.

Type of Construction: Steel frame column and beam construction, with cast-in-place concrete elevator core, foundation walls and retaining walls. Metal siding in several textures combines with glass to create the exterior envelope.  Floors and balconies are exposed concrete with exposed structure ceilings.

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