Name: Joey Williams
Location: Austin, Texas
Size/Room: 97 square feet
Years lived in: 1
It may sound small, but 97 square feet is all the space Joey needs for his home office, video editing room, coffee lounge, and patio. His Sett Studio is a compact, highly sustainable piece of modern architecture. You'll be surprised at how much style, tech, and functionality can be thoughtfully packed into this practical dwelling.
Joey was filled with excitement the weekend his Sett Studio was scheduled to be erected onto a plot of land in his backyard. The modular units are a nifty, thoughtful, and green alternative to the common converted 'shed.'

Sett Studio units are built to order and framed in SIPs (Structurally Insulated Panels) - an air-tight, energy-efficient material with an insulated foam core. Indigo tint stainless steel panels and Monotread surfaces provide distinguishable accents to the space. The most striking element however, is the shou-sugi-ban (焼杉板) treated wood panels. The unique color and contrast is achieved through a charring process weatherizing and sealing the planks. The sum of these elements results in a design that has the fit of an architecturally-tuned space and the finish of a state-of-the-art modern home.

Joey, who works from home, often imagined how great it would be to have a personal space, devoid of distractions, where he could focus and concentrate and his small space workspace has surpassed all these expectations. The short walk from the physical boundaries of the home to the studio gives Joey a chance to change his mindset and reset his focus.
"Once I enter through the sliding door, all distractions are gone."
Just a man and his thoughts...and maybe a 32" flat-screen, Apple Mac Pro, french press coffee, and a couple fine stogies.

Apartment Therapy Survey
My style - Our goal was to produce smaller format, functional space that maximized energy-efficiency and sustainable materials, and integrate that approach with modern design.
The inspiration for my home office - I've worked from home for several years, and have always struggled to effectively implement a boundary between the space I work in and the space I relax in. I had been talking with a builder friend of mine for a few years about a small-scale modular format he had always wanted to do, and we got out act together and made it happen.
Favorite element in your space - I love the concept of separate space. I walk out of my house, and into my work space. And when I leave my work space and close that door, I can walk into my house and actually relax. The other part of it I really love is that it looks attractive, and I'm always happy to walk outside and see it.
Biggest challenge in designing my space - The biggest challenge was probably deciding exactly how I wanted the space to work. Since it is small, you have to use the space efficiently, and in a way it really forces you to think about what you need to get out of it and not fuss over the non-functional-like details.
What friends say about my space - My friends are all blown away by it. At some point, every single person makes some comment about how this would be perfect for "fill in the blank" at their house. I think everyone immediately see the value in having your own, personal, separate space.

Area where there is room for improvement - I'd like to explore options for ways to securely lock the space down if I'm gone on a trip. I keep some expensive equipment in the studio, and I'd like to keep it hidden if I'm gone for a longer period of time. Maybe something like heavy barn doors or something industrial.
Proudest DIY (do it yourself) project - We were particularly proud of our custom made steel bracket, mounted from the bottom of the floating desk from which my computer tower hangs. I love the fact the tower is off the floor, providing less exposure to dust.
Biggest indulgence with respect to my space - Right now, my biggest indulgence came in the form of a gift from my brother - a humidor for my cigars - which is proudly displayed on my desk.
Best advice about organizing or incorporating tech into the home - Minimize. You always think you need more than you actually do.
Dream source for stuff - Don't really have one I can think of. Just wherever interesting things happen to be.
Resources
Tech Hardware
- Apple Mac Pro
- 32" Vizio HDTV
- Kensington Expert Trackball mouse
- Bose Companion 3 Speakers
- Logitech HD Webcam
- Sony Headphones
- BlueLounge Cable Box
- 2 WD External Hard Drives
- Canon Pixma MX882 Inkjet Printer
Furniture & Accessories
- A couple molded plywood chairs
- Tecate table
Appliances:
- Celiera Ductless Split Air Conditioner and Heater
Accessories:
- Various posters and prints
- Books and Binders
- Cowboy Hat
- Humidor



White Enamel Four-P...
Really cool space! And I really like the landscaping around it--the stepping blocks and gravel, and the way the tree was integrated into the deck. (But to be honest, I can't help but think about what it must smell like, given its size and the owner's cigar fixation.)
This is not a 97 sq ft "abode" -- it is a 97 sq ft addition to someone's "abode." It is delightful and beautiful and I would also love a similar separate space in my abode!
love it! now if only there were a way to escape the distraction of the internet... :)
i really like this space and the idea, and the decor even... but i don't think the title should use the word "abode" ... he doesn't live in it. i kept waiting for the bed to fold down from a wall or something... this is just a detached office. impressive, still.
'Abode' is misleading. I was fully expecting to see a 97 square foot house that is someone's primary residence.
gorgeous! especially love how the landscaping thoughtfully complements the space. fantastic.
Well 97 sq ft would be claustrophobic to live in imo, but yeah, I did think it was gonna be a house. The exterior is beautiful.
Abode is the wrong word, but that's a lovely little office (annex? fortress of solitude?). The indigo stainless and the charred wood are beautiful together, and I like the way they used the stone garden to reinforce its separation from the rest of the yard.
wow, beautiful materials. just curious - is it hard to work so close to the tv? seems like a pretty short distance from seat to such a big screen.
and what's that plywood thing in the last image?
Agree with previous posters. Abode means "a place in which a person resides". I was wondering how one can live in 97 sq ft of space. I love the garden and the way this home office looks. Where can I get one?
Not an abode. These tech tours are a snooze fest. Being rich must be nice.
I too was mislead by the title of this post. The 'addition' is very nice, but please, AT, get it right the next time.
This is his office, not where puts his bunny slippers at night.
a humidor? you mean he smokes nasty stinky cigars in this brand-new space? that makes me sad :(
Yay! Ghostland Observatory! Woot! :)
I want to have coffee there EVERY single morning!
That would be a pretty sweet challenge, has AT ever featured an entire living space under 100sq ft?
Beautiful use of materials, it has a distinctly "masculine" vibe to it (especially with accessories like that awesome vintage Tecate table and the cowhide, it is also very distinctly Texan-style!).
Since it is in sunny Austin, I wonder how easy it is to work with so many windows. I didn't see any coverings, and I know personally there's nothing that bugs me more than glare on my computer monitor. Might also help with heat regulation too.
Also, huge shot in the dark here, but I'm going to make a big assumption that any cigars are very likely smoked outside.
I can say from experience that it is SO easy to get work done in this space! I worked with Joey on a project for graduate school. It is truly a beautiful and functional office. Congrats Joey on the feature!
I agree, this a fake out, but chill for what it is.
Although I like the basic design of the space and building, I have some problems with its function. The first, why are there wires and extension cords running on top of and beneath the desk? Was the space not constructed with sufficient and well located electrical receptacles? Secondly, with items stacked (i.e. lamp on top of humidor) on the ends of the desk and floor, I question why task lighting and storage were not integrated with the space. Usually when one designs a workspace, file storage and places for printers, cpus and other equipment are well concealed or integrated within the design, rather than hung from an under-desk bracket or shoved in a corner. The desktop appears unusually thick, which unless Mr. Williams has a tall torso, could prove uncomfortable to sit at for long time periods. I don't understand why the HVAC unit was hung on the wall instead of being better integrated into the building with only air vents and a thermostat visible.
I agree, this is just an outdoor office, but WHAT an office. Looking at that I realized that is MY computer, and I aspire to making my office work like that...or better.
Wow... wish I had a space this big for all of my crafts... lucky guy!
I know others have said it already, but why would you call this an abode or a dwelling? When you say that someone lives in 97sf we all get excited to see how he does it and then we're disappointed to learn that he's not actually living in 97sf. Words matter.
Sorry...this is a "shed". Granted it doesn't look like the garden variety Amish-built models around my neighborhood, but it's a shed none the less. A lot nicer than my 7x7 Suncraft plastic outhouse.
He is really cute.
Oh.
Love it! I wish I had a little place like this to escape to. Even though I am primarily responsible for the decorating and arranging of our home, I always try to make each room to the taste of my whole family rather than just what I like. If I had a little spot like this to call my own, then I could make it just for me. That would be awesome... One day. Thanks for sharing!
Boo. NOT an abode. Shameful misdirect. 1%er shed. Total fakeout.
Where did you purchase the pavers? I've been looking for ones just that size around town. Thanks!!
With all that room in the yard, why would you build this that close (and in the case of the "deck" on top of) to that tree. Seems like he's setting himself up for headaches if that tree grows.
Nice looking "shed" from the outside as others have pointed out. I would have to agree also that the inside seems like it wasn't designed to be an office at all, really just a box (resulting in cables everywhere, etc).
Also, as far as a "tech tour" goes it was pretty light on tech (eg, "sony headphones").
Wow - that place is absolutely awesome!
This is NOT an abode!
But it is very nice:)
Could be all the more hip with a little tweaking.
But why does it's owner mention the lack of security on a very well read public website?
How odd!
This is a cool STUDIO/OFFICE.
Echoing other sentiments, yes the strewn about cords and the lack of integration of certain mechanical/electrical elements is disappointing. Cool from the outside though. I'd also be interested to see the structure in context of the actual ABODE and surrounding areas.
Pretty outside, but I would have wanted it mirrored. The side facing the neighbors is more interesting.
(A) If they're going to insist that this is not only an abode but a dwelling, they could get a lot more hits with the headline "Man's abode has no bathroom or kitchen or sleeping area."
(B) Calling them "stogies" doesn't make cigars cute or appealing.
I like the dark subway tile shingle looking metal panels (is this what someone else referred to as the indigo stainless)? And finding out in later pics that the birds nest on the light is actually a mitt. And the window underneath the desk for added light.Oh, and your hair, :)
Good for him, if this is his escape, and relaxes him. But like some other posters, I don't agree that a lot of it has been 'thoughtfully packed into this practical dwelling'. The wires are a mess, and it's a weirdly set out place in my view. He is cute tho, looks a lot like my husband, who luckily for him and me gave up smoking a long time ago (like any normal person). oooooh judgemental!
This is elegant, efficient, modern, and way cool. Two questions:
1. Is it, or can it be plumbed? It would be great to have a sink and maybe a tiny loo.
2. About what does something like this cost? Not to be vulgar, but even a price range would be helpful. Thanks so much.
The combination of function, aesthetic and minimal is wonderful.
It's probably illegal in many areas to have a structure like that plumbed. I just want to know, where does he keep his rake and lawnmower?
I. Want. This.
Love this wee space - would love one in my garden. Couldn't get my "work" done it it as I'm a housewife though... ;-) I would escape to it and could designate time in there as "my" time. Dreaming away here...
It's certainly not an abode but it's WAY more than a shed - the materials chosen are lovely, both outside and in. Yes, the cables are a bit annoying (for him too, I imagine) but, let's face it, we've all set up a space then thought "Aargh, forgot to plan for X, Y or Z!"
Gorgeous workspace, Joey - enjoy!
Karen (Scotland)
As for the cigars (and bear in mind I'm annoyingly anti-smoking in any remotely public place), it's the man's space, so if that's what he chooses to indulge in in there, that's his choice...
Pretty fun actually. As a Chicagoan all I can think is some neer-do-well would have that wee windowy box cracked open and the treasures liberated in no time.
This is a great little space. I could see using something like this for my husbands tattoo studio. Love the design and how it's encorporated in to the backyard without looking out of place!
Sweet office space. Nicely done. Perhaps installing those roll down shutters (New York-style) on the windows will keep people out when you're away.
Any particular reason for the windows so near the floor? Doesn't seem to offer any ventilation or view.
"Not-Abode" aside, that is the cutest man-cave plus landscaping ever!
Man.. tough crowd. Thanks for the great tour. I'm taking the visual cues of this place to design my own back yard adobe.
Thank you all for the positive comments left above. We build studios up to full blown modular homes. If you have any other questions please feel free to email us at Info@SettStudio.com