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‘Z’ Space is a 1,200‑square‑foot artists’ residency studio and pavilion commissioned by the not‑for‑profit Oberon Foundation in Pound Ridge, NY. Founded by Ben Blad and Kevin Gan, the foundation values rest, research, and retreat in the creative process, offering artists dedicated time and space in a serene setting. Unlike many residencies that adapt existing structures, this project was conceived as a purpose-built studio, connected to an existing house. The architectural concept draws on z‑time—a poetic reference to Earth’s 24 time zones—and responds to the rhythms of its forested site. Anchored among old-growth trees, the design reflects a belief in temporal openness and creates a lasting space for artistic support rooted in clarity and care.
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Set in a quiet corner of Pound Ridge, the studio sits among tall, old-growth trees and is raised on exposed concrete piers, minimizing ground disturbance and creating a sheltered outdoor area for arrival and gathering. Two ramps extend from the structure, embracing the forest and forming a soft threshold between inside and out. The building follows the site’s contours rather than dominating them, drawing nature inward through framed views, orientation, and restrained massing. Windows offer glimpses of foliage and light while preserving wall space for art. Preservation of the woodland is central, encouraging rewilding, low-maintenance care, and biodiversity. The result is a structure held by and open to its landscape—a quiet architecture tuned to its setting.
‘Z’ Space aspires to the highest ecological standards, with focus on water management, energy efficiency, and site preservation. A green roof, shallow rainwater collection pond, and rain garden manage stormwater naturally, reducing runoff and protecting the nearby pond. The building will be geothermally heated and cooled, eliminating fossil fuel use and lowering operational emissions. Raised concrete piers minimize disruption to root zones and ground patterns, while the surrounding woodland is preserved to encourage rewilding, reduce maintenance, and foster biodiversity. Local materials and efficient systems were prioritized. While the project has not yet received formal certifications or awards, its ecological strategies are central to its design and long-term purpose.
‘Z’ Space is defined by the way its architectural form is inseparable from its ecological aims. The Z-shaped geometry preserves the existing woodland and follows the site’s natural topography, elevating the studio on piers to reduce ground disturbance while creating a shaded, open-air space beneath. This configuration enables a variety of spatial experiences within a compact footprint: an open-plan interior allows for flexible use; a stepped seating area supports projection or gathering; and tall ceilings accommodate artwork at multiple scales. The plan creates a dynamic balance—one wing opens toward the landscape, while the other forms a more secluded nook. Carefully placed windows enhance daylight, frame views, and enable ventilation, offering direct interaction with the outdoors.
When we began dreaming up the Oberon Foundation, our goal was to create a place that honored the creative process—its need for stillness, spaciousness, and inspiration. We envisioned a retreat that provided artists not just time, but also space designed specifically to support the open-ended nature of their work. Z’ Space is the realization of that dream. Set amid old-growth forest in Pound Ridge, Z’ Space is deliberately quiet, shaped to foster deep reflection and unhurried creativity.
Steven Holl Architects is an internationally recognized architecture office with locations in New York, the Hudson Valley, and Beijing. Founded in 1977 by Steven Holl, the firm is led today by Holl and supported by 25 designers. SHA embraces sustainable design as central to its mission. With 13+ LEED-certified projects and a JUST 2.0 label, the firm prioritizes ecological innovation and material responsibility. The studio aspires to site-specific architecture rooted in experience—natural light, spatial sequences, materiality, and landscape. Collaboration with communities and consultants is integral to every design. Renowned for concept-driven work shaped by space and light, SHA’s portfolio spans museums, cultural institutions, campuses, residences, and urban planning. The studio maintains global partnerships and a deep commitment to poetic, inclusive, human-centered design. Steven Holl teaches at Columbia University and was named “America’s Best Architect” by Time magazine.
