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"The client had sourced some period-appropriate inspirational images and asked us to run with it,

The retreat has been designed to feel protective and shield the residents from the wind. Large areas of glass would have rattled in the frequent strong winds, so the decision was made to use smaller areas of glass that intimately frame specific views.

A bright kitchen is not only healthier for your eyes, it also makes preparing food safer and will probably put you in a cheerier mood.

Originally from Norway, photographer Torkil Stavdal and nutritionist Jeanette Bronée brought a slice of their native Scandinavia to the Catskills when they collaborated with architect Kimberly Peck to design their dream home. In the dining area, Danish modern chairs purchased at Circa Modern are tucked into a wood table from Restoration Hardware. The kitchen cabinets, counters and sink are from IKEA with faucets from Danze.

The counters and backsplash are Imperial white marble, and the hood vent received a custom metal surround.

In the kitchen, birch cabinets painted in a bright white are topped with solid ash countertops.

The utility sink and moveable countertop were purchased second-hand. Throughout the interiors, the framing was left exposed. Fire-resistant mineral wool insulation was applied to the exterior, then clad with Alaskan Yellow Cedar boards finished in a shou sugi ban treatment.

Architecture: Ravit Dvir Architecture and Design

The existing deck was extended to allow access from the master bedroom to rear yard.

An up-close look at the Scandi-style steel porch columns.

The large roof overhang protects the newly added amoeba-shaped patio and fire pit. The house sits on a flat 6,400-square-foot lot.

The pergola was removed, the exterior wall opened up, and a new dining room added. The 12-foot-long sliding pocket doors manufactured by Western Window Systems recede all the way into the wall for total indoor/outdoor flow. The new patio received cement tile—the Arc pattern from Clé Tile—its black and white palette coordinating with the new white paint and black window frames of the exterior.

Why build a Passive House? "The obvious answer is low heating and cooling bills, but we find people most appreciate the other benefits, like consistent thermal comfort, sound proofing, and air quality," say the architects.

The bright and airy atrium contributes to the breezy flow and gives the home amazing potential for indoor-outdoor living.

The outdoor kitchen features Fire Magic outdoor appliances.

The backyard features an in-ground pool and a garage/workshop.

The second rocky outcrop, seen in the background, almost seems to "invade" the indoor/outdoor patio space at the rear of the home, reasserting nature into the built environment.