The project is located in Stanfordville, NY on a 53-acre homestead type property. Surrounded by unspoiled nature of forest, glades, pond and limited street access. 2 hours north of NYC.
The house is +/- 10,000 sq.ft. of living space with 4 ensuite bedrooms, open living and dining area, den connected to an outdoor Zen Garden, kitchen with separate work space, small office space, music hall, large studio/ recreation space, spa and roof terrace access.
Art was the main source of inspiration. The depiction of a simple lifestyle in the works of Winslow Homer and John Calvin Stevens brought a tone to the program. The location and views of the site brought to mind the vast landscapes of the Hudson River School and Eric Sloane. The location also led to the precedent study of expansive Adirondak barns that are in harmony with their rock outcropping landscape.
The plan remains flexible for user control over the public and private spaces. The common spaces are arranged for larger vista type views while the private bedroom spaces have a grounded and detailed view of the gardens. The spa acts as a reclaimed outbuilding and pergola that is connected to other outdoor activities. The formal and informal spaces allow growth and change for generational living.
Continuing to developing the scheme, there is an opportunity for interaction between heavy and sharp solids of the Gneiss and Limestone with the light texture of Cedar trees. There becomes an erosion of material from rough rock to weathered wood to the voids of clear glass. The creates an informal and formal dialogue of materials with the use of manmade concrete, a wood shingle and turf roof and sculpted chimneys.
This local geography composition gives a guide to a palette of materials and colors which prevents defaulting to using gray, black and white as seen in most modern buildings. For example, the red color window frames are derived from the mineral garnet found in the mineral composition of the gneiss.
These ideas are adaptable to all scales from small family homes to public recreation uses. The goal is to have a language with no trace of a designer or trend. To craft a structure as it should be in its landscape and environment. To experience the property though the senses and spirit while blurring the transition between landscape and home.