Nestled a mere 15 minute drive from Hudson Valley’s quaint village of Rhinebeck, the Seelbach Lane Residence is a striking and assertive countryside abode. Designed by New York City-based JSDnA in partnership with Architect of Record Josh Payne, the project embraces the unique qualities of this secluded 5.23 acre site and stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and a profound appreciation of the natural world.
A masterpiece of dimensions, the 2,750 square foot property is designed with an arrangement of volumes that gracefully split, rotate, and converge. Three interconnected wings with varying roof heights and pitches form the home’s massing concept. Choreographed with the landscape in mind, each wing offers a distinct perspective of the federally protected freshwater wetland.
The project began in 2016 when JSDnA founder Frank W Chen stumbled upon the vacant lot and was captivated by the beauty and serenity of the site and its surroundings. “As a long-time New Yorker, I’ve spent many weekends upstate and envisioned Hudson Valley as the ideal setting for a future sanctuary. When I first came across this site, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect place to realize my dream,” says Chen.
Perched atop a raised clearing, the private residence overlooks a serene wooded landscape and nearby wetlands. Rustic yet refined facade materials seamlessly meld into the surrounding environment, while stained Atlantic white cedar cladding gives the house a dramatic, monolithic expression. Strategic placements of stained STK cedar highlight a series of carvings into and projections from the building’s structure that bridge the relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Throughout the residence, minimalist interiors allow focus to remain on the property’s impressive scenery, becoming an extension of the natural surroundings.
Upon entry, the home unveils an open atrium awash in light. “What's particularly unique about this design is the movement and relationship between the building’s three wings. The atrium is the epicenter of this architectural convergence and acts as a welcoming beacon when moving throughout the residence,” says Chen. In the south-west wing, ceiling heights ranging from 10’6” to 17’6” echo the surrounding forest context. An operable overhead skylight and meticulously placed windows infuse the space with a sense of airiness, while satin-sheened polished concrete flooring with radiant heating create a cozy atmosphere throughout the sunken living room, kitchen, and dining areas. The focal point of the space is a custom 10’ by 14’ steel window, strategically elevated to frame the treetops, wetlands, and distant mountain panorama. Subtle design details like carrying the window cladding material inside reinforce the connection between interior and exterior.
To the right of the atrium, the west wing houses a light-filled master bedroom. An adjacent walk-in closet leads to the generous four-fixture master bathroom, complete with a soaking tub and elegant floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles. The bedroom connects directly to a private outdoor porch where one can bask in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Traveling back through the atrium into the south wing, a long corridor guides the way past two guest bedrooms to an intimate family room and studio. The thoughtful use of scale and lighting in the entry sequence design give the space an intimate character distinct from the openness of the living room.
