ONO Architects' Japanese-inspired garden studio in California blends privacy with bold design

ONO, a design and architecture firm established in 2020 by architects Tyler Noblin and Max Obata, is located in Northern California. They’ve just finished the Two-Fold garden studio in Fairfax, commissioned by the owners of a 1912 house—a general contractor and a ceramic artist who teaches Pilates. This versatile pavilion features a cedar shingle exterior that echoes the main residence’s style. Its L-shape wraps around existing trees, creating a snug courtyard. Inside, there’s an artist workspace that opens to the courtyard and a Pilates studio with a large pivoting screen door. Bright yellow clerestory windows provide light while ensuring privacy, and the design honors the client’s colorful ceramic art. The studio is designed for evening sunlight, while the Pilates area captures morning light, and the roof offers shade for a wooden deck.