Architecture

Remarkable home office rolls down a railroad when it's time for work

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A commute with a difference: Maxon Studio is attached to the owner's main residence for easy access, and it rolls down a railroad track to a secluded spot once the workday begins
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio, by Olson Kundig Architects, is located on a rural spot in Carnation, Washington
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio is situated on wide-track rail and is designed to not tip in an earthquake
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio is finished in weathered steel, lending it a rusted, rustic appearance
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio is situated next to a home that was also designed by Olson Kundig Architects
Aaron Leitz
A commute with a difference: Maxon Studio is attached to the owner's main residence for easy access, and it rolls down a railroad track to a secluded spot once the workday begins
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio is propelled with an electric motor
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio's interior measures 300 sq ft (almost 28 sq m), spread over two floors
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio's control panel was previously installed in a Burlington Northern locomotive
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio's upper floor is reached by a ladder and there's also a dumbwaiter installed for moving heavier objects to the upper floor
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio's interior design and choice of materials is inspired by the local rail industry
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio's interior features generous glazing, which maximizes daylight inside and frames views of the stunning landscape
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio features custom wheels emblazoned with the owner's professional logo
Aaron Leitz
Maxon Studio weighs 35,000 lb (almost 16,000 kg)
Aaron Leitz
View gallery - 13 images

Commissioned to create a home office for a designer, Olson Kundig Architects principle Tom Kundig somewhat jokingly suggested that it should be put on railroad tracks to enable the owner to experience a commute from home. After talking it through, the lighthearted remark became a solid plan for a train-like studio that rolls down the rails to keep work and home life separate.

Maxon Studio is located near the small city of Carnation, Washington, and is situated next to the owner's main residence, Maxon House, which Olson Kundig also designed. The office is parked next to the house when not in use, then moves to a choice spot in the forest nearby when it's time to get to work.

Olson Kundig drew inspiration from Japanese high-speed railways, and placed the building on a 15-ft (4.5-m)-gauge track – most US rail is 4.8-ft (1.4-m)-gauge – which includes a stabilizing bar to prevent it from tipping over if there's an earthquake.

The 35,000-lb (almost 16,000-kg) structure rests on custom wheels emblazoned with the owner's professional logo, and is propelled using an electric motor that's connected to a retracting wire hidden behind one of the rails. In a really nice touch that speaks to the attention to detail in this project, it's operated with a rewired wall-mounted vintage control panel that was previously installed in a Burlington Northern locomotive.

Maxon Studio's interior features generous glazing, which maximizes daylight inside and frames views of the stunning landscape
Aaron Leitz

The exterior is finished in weathered steel, lending it a distinctive worn appearance, and boasts generous glazing to frame the view and maximize natural light inside. The interior measures 300 sq ft (almost 28 sq m), spread over two floors. Its lower level is the main working space, with a desk and shelving. The upper level is intended as a cosy and calming area, offering a place to relax with excellent views over the landscape.

"The studio's unique infrastructure is inspired by the legacy of the rail industry in the local region, as well as steel cables and railroad spikes discovered on the site during excavation for the main house," explained Olson Kundig. "Like a traditional caboose, the studio's lower level is the main working space, with a built-in desk and numerous shelves for storage and display. A steel-clad wall allows the workspace to be surrounded by visually inspiring materials that can be easily replaced as creative themes and assignments change.

"The upper level is accessible via a steel ladder, with a small dumbwaiter to transport heavy or bulky items. Envisioned as a calmer zone for creative exploration and restoration, this level functions much like a cupola on a train's caboose, a high vantage point to look out across the landscape."

Source: Olson Kundig

View gallery - 13 images
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1 comment
zort
Off grid survivalists can now have an outhouse that comes when you call it!!