Wonderful Windows

The cantilevered studio space is designed to facilitate two of the clients’ passions—yoga and painting. A floor-level window captures the sunrise during morning practice, while the views from the platform take in the surrounding landscape. “With one window positioned on the glazed living platform, and the other on the floor below, each partner has a window that encourages them down to the floor for their practice,” says architect Meelena Oleksiuk Turkel.

A harmonious material palette is offset by playful peekaboo windows on the north-facing wall that frame the natural surroundings rather than the neighbors' windows.

A low window frames the view of the garden's quiet fountain, set within a series of basalt boulders. Wood paneled walls and slate floors are in keeping with the home's original 1949 materials.

"We played with the brick in some interesting ways," says Katz about the home's exterior walls, which give privacy from neighbors.

In the new living area, a brick plinth is positioned at just the right height for sitting. It extrudes out into the garden to serve as an outdoor bench.

Entry vestibule

Berg floated a seating bench across a new kitchen window, which brings attention to the lowered sill placement.

Within the setting of the open floor plan, the slits of light also help demarcate the distinct spaces. Here the kitchen is set off from the dining and living areas.

The extensive glazing provides a strong sense of the surrounding nature.

“I love this low-level stair window. It’s at head height when you’re at the bottom of the stairs; it gives you a glimpse of, and connection to, the garden outside. Most of the windows capture what I’d call ‘hero shots,’ but some, like this one, are completely unexpected.”

A long hallway connects the bedrooms and overlooks views of the lake.

Framed view of birch trees through family room

A glass section reveals stones outside, connecting the home to nature.

In addition to an oversized walk-in closet with custom cabinetry, the primary suite also includes a spacious bathroom, complete with a freestanding tub and rain shower.

“Zarzales is a vacation home located in Valle de Bravo, whose architecture, simple and pure, gives the prominence it deserves tothe surrounding nature,” says the firm.

The modern dwelling incorporates its woodsy-yet-urban surrounds through copious glazing.