ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Verge Select's Steel-Clad Artist Studio Blends into Ontario Forest

architecture-design · 2026-07-21

Architectural designer Michael Curtis of Verge Select has completed a 159-square-metre studio for conceptual painter Janna Watson in Grey County, Ontario. The three-volume pavilion fans out from a central axis, clad in 600 custom mild steel panels pre-patinated for consistency. Curtis chose steel over wood for durability against heavy snow loads and cost-effectiveness. The panels, cut at Verge Select's 1,859-square-metre fabrication facility, vary in size and are fastened with spiral uncoated hanger nails, some exposed. Custom 1.2-by-3.0-metre windows from Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions provide natural light. The flat roof uses EPDM for weather resistance. The studio sits on a 5.7-hectare plot, positioned to minimize disturbance to the mature forest.

Key facts

  • Michael Curtis of Verge Select designed the studio for Janna Watson.
  • The studio is located in Grey County, Ontario.
  • The structure is 159 square metres with three volumes fanning from a central axis.
  • 600 custom mild steel panels clad the building, pre-patinated for consistency.
  • Steel was chosen over wood for durability and cost.
  • Custom 1.2-by-3.0-metre windows from Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions are installed.
  • The flat roof uses EPDM membrane.
  • The studio sits on a 5.7-hectare forested plot.

Entities

Artists

  • Janna Watson

Institutions

  • Verge Select
  • Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions

Locations

  • Grey County
  • Ontario
  • Canada
  • Meaford

Sources