Just an hour from New York City, the Catskills Retreat is both sanctuary and statement — an invitation to live with environmental stewardship in the uninterrupted wilderness.
Set within the wooded expanse of the Catskill Mountains, Atelier Nomadic has realized a contemporary, energy-neutral retreat in collaboration with Ziman Development. Positioned roughly an hour north of New York City, the region is celebrated for its seasonal landscapes and outdoor culture, while also holding a layered cultural legacy—from hiking and skiing to its association with the iconic Woodstock festival of 1969.
This latest addition contributes to a quietly evolving architectural lineage in the area, where experimental residential typologies meet the pastoral character of the landscape. Atelier Nomadic’s intervention responds to this context with a design that negotiates between modern precision and vernacular memory, drawing inspiration from the agrarian forms and timber structures that historically defined the region.
At 3,630 square feet, the residence is carefully sited to embrace panoramic views of the northern hills, with cantilevered balconies framing sunrise, sunset, and the drama of the changing seasons.
“The house is a journey through light and landscape,” says lead designer Olav Bruin. “Every space opens to a new perspective, culminating in a full-height glass façade that reaches into the forest.”
The residence unfolds across two levels, carefully embedded within a gently sloping site. Its organization is inverted in response to the terrain: the primary entrance, master suite, and shared living spaces occupy the upper level, while three additional bedrooms and a family lounge are situated below. This arrangement allows the main living areas to engage directly with expansive views, reinforcing a spatial dialogue between interior and landscape.
Materially, the project is defined by a restrained palette of natural finishes, with timber playing a central role in both structure and atmosphere. The interiors emphasize tactility and warmth, echoing the surrounding forest while maintaining a contemporary clarity. Large apertures and a full-height glazed façade frame panoramic vistas, allowing daylight to animate the interior throughout the day and establishing a continuous visual connection to the outdoors.
Sustainability is integral to the architectural concept. Conceived as a bioclimatic dwelling, the retreat incorporates passive design strategies alongside advanced building technologies. A 20 kW solar array supports the home’s energy needs, often exceeding consumption under optimal conditions. Mechanical systems include heat recovery ventilation, a high-efficiency heat pump, and a tightly sealed building envelope to minimize energy loss. High-performance insulation and quadruple-glazed windows ensure thermal stability across seasons, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.
The result is a dwelling that operates as both refuge and instrument—an architecture that choreographs light, views, and environmental performance. Atelier Nomadic’s Catskills Retreat demonstrates how contemporary design can engage deeply with place, synthesizing ecological responsibility with a nuanced reading of regional identity.
