In the summer of 2018 several renovations and building improvements were made to the Gushul Studio and Writer’s Cottage. This included a new coat of dark brown wood stain to the exterior of both buildings; new metal downspouts that are retractable on either side of the Studio’s wall glass; and a fresh coat of white paint to the picket fence. These renovations were made by maintenance staff of the University of Lethbridge. Within the interior of the Studio, the hardwood floors were stripped of their golden oak-colored stain to reveal their natural wood grain that was then coated with a clear varnish. The effect of this is that the floors brighten the interior ambience and natural light that filters through the abundant wall glass, even on overcast days creating a space that is vibrant and bright.

Other exterior alterations by a local carpenter (Gary Carpenter) included the installation of new doors to the Writer’s Cottage in the Spring of 2013, and since then a white storm door has been added to the portal of the Studio on the north side of the building.

Of further note, it should be mentioned that condensation and some water seepage had previously been a problem when I had been in residence in the Studio in November of 2012.

These building improvements have been significant in the refurbishment of the exterior of both buildings. It could however be debated whether the downspouts have to some extent altered the heritage character of the Studio, however these spouts are along the existing window frames and rather seamlessly coexist with these frames. The downspouts are most apparent at the bottom where these spouts extend from the building to the adjacent lawn when lowered. Functionality seems to have been preferred to aesthetics in this regard, and architecture at its’ best usually dictates that form follows function. Practical utilitarianism has triumphed over aesthetics here, fortunately without any serious or lasting consequences.

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