Stiff Peaks is a writing studio for a poet and filmmaker in Los Angeles.

Its single room is surrounded by the curved wrapper of the exterior walls with a crown like parapet shielding a roof deck. A large skylight and arched windows focus views on the surrounding landscape creating a sense of escape and immersion in nature.

The studio is situated midway up a steep hill divided into zones for entertaining, a stage area for rehearsing, and a forested landscape. The roof deck provides a clear view of downtown LA and the western horizon.

This project has been longlisted in the small building category of Dezeen Awards 2021.

Architect: Byben
Project: Stiff Peaks