Shadow Wood Retreat

Catskills, New York, USA

Year

2021

Site area

45,000 sq ft

Building area

950 sq ft

Duration

10 Months

Program overview

  • Renovation and extension of a 1970s structure into a modern sanctuary.
  • Intimate weekend getaway designed for disconnection and solitude.
  • Strong indoor-outdoor connection facilitating three-season exterior living.
  • Compact floor plan prioritizing an open communal living area.
  • Atmospheric lighting design enhancing the "hygge" experience at twilight.

Look at the exterior

Look at the interior

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Key features

  • Charcoal Timber Siding: Monochromatic dark exterior helping the volume recede into shadows.
  • Elevated Decking: Expansive weathered timber platform floating above the forest floor.
  • Festoon Lighting: Exterior string lights creating a virtual ceiling for the patio.
  • Glazed Apertures: Large sliding glass doors framing specific forest views.
  • Dual-Pitch Roofline: Juxtaposition of the original gable with a modern shed-roof addition.
  • Exposed Flue: Industrial stainless steel chimney contrasting the rustic facade.
  • Warm Interiors: Glowing amber interior lighting offsetting the cool exterior tones.

Architectural approach

  • Camouflage Strategy: Using a dark palette to dissolve the built form into the woods.
  • Vernacular Modernization: Updating traditional cabin typology with contemporary detailing.
  • Refuge & Prospect: Creating a sense of secure shelter while maintaining outward engagement.
  • Compact Efficiency: Maximizing utility and flow within a sub-1000 sq ft footprint.
  • Sensory Design: Emphasizing texture and light to create an emotional response to the season.

Now look at the interior

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