On a site with a historic 1910 building that was originally a home and converted to offices long ago, the 24’ x 24’ footprint creates a carriage house relationship with the original historic structure. On the ground floor is a 576 sf commercial office with a 450 sf studio apartment above. The new building is sited to take advantage of the sun and to create an ‘urban refuge’ by transforming what was an asphalt parking lot into a courtyard type environment with the use of permeable cobblestone paving. South windows bring low winter sunlight deep into the building for both heating and lighting. Retractable French doors open up the entire south wall upstairs to the deck, extending the livability of the studio and opening up to dramatic views of Bishops Peak. The deck, located on the south side of the building where the sun heats the slate floors, is comfortable even on a winter day. The use of slate as an interior and exterior material has a dual purpose: to absorb and reradiate the heat of the sun, and to extend the perceptual size of the small studio space.