Joey’s Small and Spacious Modern Abode

published Mar 1, 2012
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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.’

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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