The clients desired a uniquely special mountain and star gazing room for hobbies and entertaining family and friends. We designed a bright, modern addition that connected right off their main entry. We used colorful metal siding, an abundance of windows and a hint of cedar siding to weather and match the original home.
The clients, who owned and resided in an original Frank Llyod Wright home appreciated the triangular geometry of their geodesic dome hideaway in Woodstock, NY. Their dream was to build a large 3-bedroom addition to house their fiber art collection, recalling the geometry of Frank Loyd Wright and their Bucky Fuller inspired geodesic dome. They affectionately named their summer home “The Embrace” where Frank Lloyd Wright embraces Buckminster Fuller.
The design is a study in triangles incorporating both equilateral triangles that form the geodesic dome with an isosceles triangular addition jutting out from the original dome. The two roof forms meet at the dramatic entrance with triangular elements employed to bridge the two distinct buildings shapes and create a protective entry. The interior illuminates the library, gallery and bedrooms with abundant windows, natural pine, and custom staircase.
At first sight one might call this decrepit Greek Revival relic from the 1800’s a tear down, but my client was determined to restore this historic gem and make it her retirement dream home.
We totally gutted and completely restored the home with sustainable materials and energy efficiency in mind. We added a large two-story wing to create a new bedroom, bath, a large kitchen, and walkout basement and designed a gracious new porch entry all with Greek revival detailing.
Subsequently, new owners have assumed the stewardship of this historic farm and we have designed a trellis patio and a finished basement, significantly adding to the living space with an entertainment room, wet bar, laundry, bath, wine cellar and ample storage.
Aerie House is a case study that demonstrates how one can live independently and comfortably in a tiny, beautiful, home in an off-grid context. It received a Special Recognition Award from the Cragsmoor Tiny House Competition and was a collaborative effort by our studio with former students from the SUNY Ulster Sustainable Building Design program and related consultants.
In the absence of municipal water and sewer in a remote location, the Aerie House was designed as its own living ecosystem. Its wingspread and solar greenhouse harvest all its water onsite and absorb all its energy from the sun with passive and active collectors.
No combustion occurs within to compromise indoor air quality. A composting toilet eliminates the need for a septic system. All greywater is filtered on site and irrigates non-edible plantings before returning to the aquifer.
Inspired by hang gliders and eagles in flight, it is kite-shaped, perched with birdlike “feet” on a rocky slope for minimal site disturbance. Positioned for privacy, it exploits a spectacular viewshed. Its form expands its sensory world.
Constructed of two overlapping shipping containers, its nexus is a glass solar chimney providing natural ventilation, light, and open views from every room. Designed as a kit of parts, it is easily transported to remote locations and assembled in place on a scaffolding base and can provide housing, office space, mechanical facilities, and rest rooms.
The use of industrial detritus in a creative and environmentally sensitive manner is intentional. The exterior displays its recycled industrial origins; the cozy interior is lined with natural hempcrete and lime.
The client intended to simply repaint and refresh the townhouse, but was dismayed to find leaks, mold, and high electromagnetic fields, requiring full gut-rehab. This entailed removing paneling, replacing mold impacted studs, new drywall and further mitigation with new flashing and waterproofing details at slab, balconies, and roof. All mold was removed, and ductwork cleaned to promote healthy indoor air quality.
The electrical systems and lighting were upgraded, incorporating recessed low voltage mini- spots, designer fixtures, cable halogens, stainless steel ceiling fan, and custom chandelier. The walls were insulated, all new double paned windows and wood exterior doors installed, weatherproofing upgrades, and energy saving appliances all contributed to better energy efficiency and EMF reduction.
All interior finishes were replaced with non-toxic, healthy, natural building materials, including maple hardwood, slate, natural tile flooring and smooth plastered walls and ceilings. All upgrades and design features contributed to the client’s requirement for a sustainable, healthy, and divine environment of calm.
Many families take in their senior family members by adding an ADU or Accessory Dwelling Unit attached to their family homes. In the beautiful hamlet of Blue Mountain, we extended our client’s home to accommodate her elderly mother in an independent suite. Our goal was to ensure each room felt like a natural extension of the next, creating a seamless flow in design and adding family space adjacent to the separate apartment. When completed, the extended roof created a sensational indoor-outdoor room, complete with a koi pond for the whole family to gather and enjoy together.
These clients seized on a symbiotic relationship with this apartment addition. By building a rental space in their huge, uninhabited attic above their place of business, they offered their own real estate clients a home during their transition between residences. We designed a luxe apartment with multiple dormer windows, and ample light flooding in from both the front balcony and rear deck. The one-bedroom unit has a private rear entry and takes full advantage of the cathedral ceilings afforded by the attic space. It is an extremely popular rental and is always occupied, serving their business well.
With an emphasis on function, clean design and accessibility, this outdated, low functioning closed off kitchen was opened and efficiently reconfigured to allow wheelchair accessible entry and working prep space for the client. Simply by moving the refrigerator and enclosing it in cabinetry with a new desk and prep area with extra storage above, the new layout doubled the cabinet, counter, and storage space. New windows, doors, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, appliances and hardware complete the functional, artful renovation.
Similarly, the main floor bath w/ tub was replaced with a tiled walk-in shower for accessibility. The interior design reflects the Asian inspiration of the client and their love of natural travertine stone and teak simplicity. The bath now doubles as the main floor powder room and seamlessly reflects the unique interior design of the home.
