archi-TecToNics

Built into a landscape of leaf , rock and water, Upstate New York, one finds a small pre-fab house - a guest house. The guest house is built as an ‘alter-ego’ of a larger structure; the main house, situated right on the lake. Similar in materials but a kind, small, simple version of its more sophisticated ‘other’.

The 1500 SF house is designed as a suspended wood structure, hanging up and over a sturdy stone volume [garage]. The garage is constructed of rough stone collected from the site.  The light wood volume  hovers free from the ground, and contains the living area,  located on the second floor with an amazing view of the lake.   The dining / kitchen area have doors to the large terrace on the garage roof,  providing a ‘surround’ view of the site. The double height void to below connects to the sleeping area below, here sliding doors allow for direct access to a small porch and nature beyond. The sun's rays will enter through high glass planes integrated into a continuous surface. The entrance area was of as particular interest where layers of wood screens, large glass set backs  and double height space with felt curtains were creating a soft boundary between interior and exterior specs. The corner details are worked out with particular attention creating a continuity of materials and surfaces.

INFO

Client:  Spain

Project Type: Guest house

Location: Carmel, New York

Area: 1,500 sf // 139 m²

Status: Completed 2003

Design: Archi-Tectonics

Principal in charge: Winka Dubbeldam

Project Leader:  Michael Hundsnurscher

Archi-Tectonics Team: Rob Henderson, Tanja Bitzer, Kajsa Krause, Aaron Brakke, Sebastian Saint Jean, Siki Im, Ron Henderson, Michael Johnston, Philip Holley

Consultants:

Structural Engineers: Buro Happold NY

Mechanical Engineer: Stanislav Slutsky Engineers 

Zinc roofing, fenestration, railings: UAD

General Contractor: T & L Construction 

Photography:   Floto & Warner Photography and Archi-Tectonics