Lakeside Studio by Mark Dziewulski Architect: A Sculptural Retreat in Harmony with Nature

  • Project: Lakeside Studio
  • Architect: Mark Dziewulski Architect
  • Location: United States, Carmichael, California
  • Year: 2005
  • Area: 111 m2

Lakeside Studio by Mark Dziewulski Architect is a striking example of architecture that responds poetically to its natural surroundings. Located in California, this private retreat was conceived as a serene, multifunctional space—part office, part art studio, part gallery, and part living space—all unified within a single fluid volume.

The design is anchored in the owner’s vision: a tranquil environment that offers uninterrupted views of a nearby river and the surrounding landscape. To realize this, Mark Dziewulski Architect crafted a structure that elegantly twists and curves, harmonizing bold sculptural expression with thoughtful spatial functionality.

A Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature

Central to the studio’s design is its dynamic relationship with nature. A cantilevered floor extends dramatically over the lake, immersing visitors in the scenery while offering exhilarating views beneath their feet through transparent glass panels. A skeletal metal stair floats above the water before grounding itself on a monumental stone base embedded in the riverbank, reinforcing the building’s connection to the site.

Walls of floor-to-ceiling glass dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior, allowing the lush greenery and water reflections to permeate the space. A deep roof overhang shades the interiors, creating a soft gradient between light and shadow that enhances the meditative atmosphere.

Natural Light as an Architectural Element

Light plays a fundamental role in shaping the Lakeside Studio experience. Reflective ripples from the water animate the ceiling, while skylights and a rooftop oculus choreograph a poetic dance of sunlight throughout the day. A curved glass wall composed of angled translucent and transparent panels creates an “optical louver,” directing views to the river and serving as a luminous display wall for the owner’s sculpture collection.

A Built Sculpture Over Water

Dziewulski’s composition reads as a piece of inhabitable art. The studio’s sculptural massing and floating quality mirror the elegance of natural forms, while distinct building elements—glass walls, concrete floors, curving rooflines, and vertical piers—maintain their autonomy within an intricately interwoven design. Despite its complexity, the architecture radiates effortlessness and tranquility, much like a perfectly poised sculpture set in motion by the lake’s reflection.

Bold Yet Harmonious Design

Though serene in its final form, the studio’s construction involved substantial technical, structural, and material challenges. The success of the project is a testament to the collaboration between architects, engineers, and artisans—each contributing to a vision that blurs the line between built form and natural context.

Contemporary lakeside studio with cantilevered glass facade reflecting in water.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Illuminated lakeside studio with floor-to-ceiling glass walls at dusk.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
View through sculptural folded glass facade showcasing modern interior design.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Minimalist lounge chair setup in glass-walled corner with tranquil lake view.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Interior workspace with panoramic glass walls overlooking lush greenery.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Daylight view of curved modern studio with reflective glass walls and circular skylight.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Wide interior of the studio featuring built-in cabinetry and sleek furniture under skylights.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Iconic Eames lounge chair facing large windows with view of lake and garden.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Architectural floorplan of lakeside studio with curved geometry and water integration.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect
Site plan illustrating spatial relationship of the studio with river and existing house.
Photography © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Posted by Mark Dziewulski Architect

Mark Dziewulski is a British-American architect and artist celebrated for his visionary, sculptural approach to contemporary architecture. With studios in San Francisco and London, his work bridges the boundaries between architecture, fine art, and engineering. Educated at Cambridge University and Princeton University as a Fulbright Scholar, Dziewulski brings a strong academic foundation and artistic sensibility to every endeavor. His multidisciplinary background in both architecture and visual arts deeply informs his design philosophy, often resulting in expressive, fluid forms that engage movement, space, and light. Dziewulski has received international recognition for his contributions to the built environment and the arts. His accolades include awards from the American Institute of Architects, recognition by Robb Report as one of the “Top 30 Architects in the World,” and honors such as the Gold Cross of Merit from the Republic of Poland. His studio’s work is known for: A commitment to contextual design and material expression A strong emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation Integrating sculptural elements and symbolic meaning into built form Mark Dziewulski also maintains an active career as a visual artist, with international exhibitions of his paintings and sculptures. His artistic pursuits often explore the same themes of movement, time, and perception that are present in his architectural work.