Located in the Catskill Mountains, High Peak Meadow House is perched on the highest point of a sloping meadow surrounded by the Catskills Forest Preserve. Mature trees frame views of nearby Windham High Peak Mountain.
Shared by a young family from Manhattan and a grandparent from Connecticut, this second home is composed of two integrated residences. A separate mother-in-law suite, complete with its own living room, bathroom, and kitchenette, is connected to the main house through a screened porch, serving as both a separator and connector of the two residences. This centrally located, versatile space allows for individual or communal use throughout the year. Upstairs, the bedrooms and a media room bridge over the spaces below.
The L Series typology reflects the tree line, demarcating the remaining edges of the enclosed meadow. The house's main two-story, cedar-clad volume runs parallel to the road and contains the private spaces. Perpendicularly sits a one-story communal volume clad in cement board panels.
The composite configuration creates an intimate, shaded exterior space complete with an ipe deck floating above the landscape. Smaller in scale, this protected exterior space is analogous to the larger enclosed meadow, which is shielded by the surrounding trees. Like the wall of trees encircling the meadow, the porous layers of the house's porches and glass walls encourage a constant relationship with the naturally layered landscape.
The home utilizes several energy-saving and environmentally conscious energy systems and materials, ensuring a sustainable and efficient living environment.
