This new three-story, 7,430 square-foot, single-family house is situated on a sloping site in the Hudson River Valley.
Design concept and solution: Perched above the Hudson River, the site and its vistas, as well as the geological strata of the land, guided the design vision for this project. The overall form of the house drew its inspiration from the idea of rock split open and hinged. Shifting volumes inspired by this concept allow for terraced areas that present stunning views of the river and the heavily forested land surrounding the property. The gray tones of local schist stone inspired the color palette for the façade, which is composed of composite cement panels arranged in a random pattern of interlocking elements.
The interior of the house establishes a vertical connection between the first and second floor functions—the first floor dedicated to entering, living, and entertaining; and the second for living and enjoying the outdoor patio/pool area. An open plan interior was driven by the clients’ enthusiasm for entertaining. With the kitchen set against two exterior walls, the hosts are never separated from the open dining and living spaces. An important component of the design was creating a house that would be friendly to all seasons—open to catch natural breezes in the summer, yet warm and closed in the winter. Sliding glass doors and an interior atrium in the main living space allow airflow through the house, while solid exterior walls punctured by windows promote a cozy feeling in colder months.
Numerous green features are incorporated throughout the building. Composite cement rainscreen cladding prevents water absorption into the exterior walls. The primary source of cooling for the house is natural ventilation, and through various openings, air is encouraged to flow naturally throughout the house. Heating and cooling is provided by a geothermal heat pump system with closed loop ground wells. This system utilizes the earth’s natural heat storage capacity to provide energy efficient heating and cooling. Radiant floor heating further controls the interior temperature of the house—a highly efficient system that lowers energy usage and operational costs.
Architect:
1100 Architect
475 Tenth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Phone:(212) 645-1011
Fax:(212) 645-4670
www.1100architect.com
Video
Sign in to Comment
To write a comment about this story, please sign in. If this is your first time commenting on this site, you will be required to fill out a brief registration form. Your public username will be the beginning of the email address that you enter into the form (everything before the @ symbol). Other than that, none of the information that you enter will be publically displayed.