A Mother-and-Child Set of Cabins Form a Single Catskills Ski Retreat

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Project Details:

Location: Catskill Mountains, New York

Architect: Elizabeth Roberts Architects / @elizabeth_roberts_architects

Footprint: 3,500 square feet

General Contractor: Hickory Hill Builders

Cabinetry Design: Shawanga Ridge Woodworks

Photographer: Chris Mottalini / @chrismottalini

From the Architect: "The Windham Ski House is a new construction overlooking the rolling foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Elizabeth Roberts Architects designed two simple gable structures situated at different elevations of Windham Mountain and connected by a below-grade passageway. The organization of the volumes maximizes the views from inside and outside the house, and create an assemblage of smaller buildings rather than one large structure. The public gable volume contains entertaining spaces organized by twin fireplaces and a central kitchen, and is entered through a walkthrough ski room with storage and cubbies for skis, boots, and coats. Unobstructed views through floor-to-ceiling glass create a sense of floating over the mountain. The second form is set into—and further down—the mountainside to reduce the massing and create intimate sleeping spaces.

"The site’s steep topography required the foundation be directly tied into the rock ledge below. Then, utilizing prefabricated wood trusses, vaulted ceilings maximize views and form a loft space overlooking the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

"A limited palette of materials and details unify the various spaces and speak to the vernacular agrarian building traditions in the area. Robust wall assemblies and high performance buildings systems create an efficient, durable home that enhances the experience of living on the mountain."