A Couple Builds Their Dream Retreat in the Hudson Valley
Once their children grew up and moved away, this New York couple—who work in the art and fashion industries—decided to build a gathering place for friends and family that reflected the natural beauty of their beloved getaway in Ghent. They wanted a home with a simple material palette that opened to views of the distant Catskills. Co-principal Caleb Mulvena of Mapos met those needs while reducing the home's environmental impact: "Our primary goal was to maximize sustainable features by utilizing passive design principals, technology, and ultra-low-maintenance materials," he says. The four-bedroom house features concrete flooring with radiant heating, LED lighting, and reclaimed wood. As part of the couple’s purchasing agreement, they still allow cattle from a neighboring farm to graze near their front door.
"For the structure, Mapos devised a hybrid system of concrete, steel, and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)," co-principal Caleb Mulvena says. "Each was strategically utilized to create a lightweight, rigid, and highly energy-efficient shell." Fiber cement-board cladding and a steel standing-seam roof act as the structure’s envelope.
"The windows and patio doors, all made from super low-E insulated glass, open onto the amazing views and give easy access to expansive decks and a pool terrace," Mulvena says. His team conducted solar studies and installed a retractable screen from MechoShade that would shade the house in the summer.
Published
Topics
Home ToursGet the Pro Newsletter
What’s new in the design world? Stay up to date with our essential dispatches for design professionals.