We were approached to help our client envision a family home sited high above the Hudson Valley at the edge of a mature woods and overlooking rolling meadows beyond. The land they acquired was personal and familiar to them from their childhood romps in the woods. They sought to conserve the forest and rehabilitate the grazing pastures, paddocks, and barns to establish a boarding operation for thoroughbred horses. Along with landscape architect, Stimson, we sought to settle the house among the mature oak trees and reduce its presence by dropping it into the hillside. Phase 2 will include a lower-level terrace, pergola, and pool and pool house. Each room within the house captures distinct views of the surrounding landscape with windows—both vertical slots and large framed openings-- all with concealed motorized shades.

Centuries-old stone walls from an Upstate NY farm were repurposed for the new site walls, house cladding, and fireplaces. A palette of grey/brown stone and stained mahogany siding transitions from inside to outside, connecting the house to the landscape. A two-sided glass gathering space looks out over the sole lawn “panel” on one side and the terrace overlooking the pasture below. Twelve-foot tall sliding doors part to create a twenty-four foot wide opening at the terrace. The house consists of a cantilevered bedroom and office and roofs that extend for sun shading on the south and west facades. Robust insulation and considerable thermal mass created by the stone walls, along with rainscreen detailing, contribute to this high-performance home.