STUDIOS designed a Zen spa retreat and observatory adjacent to the owners’ primary residence. The astronomical observatory houses a robotically controlled 20-inch telescope and an extensive private library. Clad in corten steel panels, the structure sits in a reflecting pool and is axially sited between an allee of old olive trees. A structural corten steel stairway provides access to the telescope and dome.

Sited among 250-year-old oak trees, the 4,000 square-foot concrete, stone and corten steel Zen spa building includes a living/dining area with fireplace, and wet spa areas. Images from the observatory’s telescope, the Hubble catalog and other sources are displayed on a large rear projection screen in the home theater.