Collection by Caroline Wallis
After a Fire, a Midcentury Home Rises from the Ashes
A tree house-inspired home takes advantage of the surrounding forest.
Inspired by a former tree house perched on the property, architect Stephen Moser found the opportunity in a midcentury remodel for a large family in southern New York to experiment with a range of building materials. A fire had seriously damaged parts of the house, requiring a substantial renovation using the existing footprint. From Douglas fir ceilings to custom steel handrails, which Moser designed himself, the renovated house accommodates a multitude of grandchildren and activity. The 6,600-square-foot home offers plenty of room for future generations between an indoor swimming pool and boundless backyard in the heart of Saxon Woods.
After being damaged by a fire, architect Stephen Moser had the opportunity to design a major renovation of a home in Southern New York using the existing footprint. The renovation included an atrium over the main staircase, which features a custom stainless steel railing designed by Moser and manufactured by the homeowners’ son-in-law, who owns a local fabrication shop. The self-supporting steel rod system and Sonneman Bubbles Light pendant light nicely contrast with the surrounding woodwork.
One of the biggest challenges of designing around an indoor pool was managing the humidity, especially with a sloping Douglas fir ceiling. Moser explains that by using a retractable pool cover it helps manage humidity levels. While in the winter there is low humidity, a little actually prevents the wood from drying out.