On a steeply sloped, forested site in the Kerhonkson area, this project, designed by Studio MM, pllc serves as a primary residence and also a studio space for an accomplished local painter. The programmatic brief required a highly functional workspace, residential quarters capable of hosting guests, and an accessible layout for ageing in place. Optimal daylighting and dedicated storage for tools and painting materials were primary requirements. The spatial organisation necessitated a physical demarcation between residential and professional areas.
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Site integration and topography
The site’s steep topography required strategic grading to establish a level footprint. In response, a two-story massing embeds the lower level into the hillside, utilising the earth for thermal mass and allowing at-grade entry to the primary living spaces on the second floor. Water management strategies were developed in coordination with landscape architects and engineers to control stormwater runoff from the adjacent slope, mitigating erosion while defining usable exterior spaces.
Spatial organisation and outdoor expansion
To optimise the budget, multiple exterior terraces expand the usable floor area without increasing the conditioned footprint. A timber deck adjacent to the entry functions as an outdoor dining zone, stepping down to a firepit integrated into the retaining walls. On the opposing elevation, a second-story deck provides an elevated vantage point over the forest canopy. Below, the ground-floor studio opens onto a concrete patio, partially sheltered by the deck above, which serves as an unconditioned, open-air workspace during warmer months.
Materiality and environmental performance
The interior spaces maintain a modest scale and a restrained material palette. Wrap-around glazing in the primary bedroom and living area maximises daylight and passive solar gain, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Locally sourced millwork and cabinetry minimise transportation emissions while supporting regional manufacturing. The exterior envelope prioritises high thermal resistance, and operable windows are positioned to facilitate natural cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.
The painter's studio workspace
At the lower level, the studio is accessed via an exterior staircase. This circulation route enforces a physical and psychological transition between the residential and work zones, achieving the required programmatic separation without the material and labour costs of a detached structure. A large glass garage door and clerestory windows provide the diffuse, even light required for an art practice. The workspace is equipped with integrated storage, a fully ventilated spray booth for mitigating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a flexible guest bedroom with built-in casework, and a compact bathroom.
