Project Brief
This mountain side retreat sits atop the rolling hills of Putnam County, NY. The steep drop off at the south of the property restricted the opportunity for outdoor recreation, this was resolved by building up and retaining the hillside to create usable space. The once faceless clapboard sided house was given new character and an entertainment area equipped with an infinity edge swimming pool, shower / storage pergolas, a modern twist on a craftsman shade trellis, a hot tub, bar and dining areas on all levels.
The existing house had a three story south facing wall with full glazing and limited solar gain protection. The south elevation and west sunroom were given protection from the sun with deep overhangs and trellis shading. The overhangs created dining areas at both levels, without obstructing views, while considerably decreasing the cooling energy used to condition the house.
Given the house is located at the top of the mountain; natural shading was limited for the entertainment deck therefore strategic architectural shading was needed. Trellises were placed to fulfill the client’s need for entertaining without compromising the beautiful vista. The infinity edge pool took advantage of the mountain top drop off by blurring the distinction between pool edge and the view of the valley below. The reclaimed Douglas Fir columns created a new architectural language. The pergolas, trellises, sunshades at the roof and pool deck tied the new language of rough sawn lumber and timber construction together.
