Desai Chia Architecture has crafted a unique retirement retreat, Chatham Residence, in New York’s picturesque Columbia County. Set on an 80-acre property near the Catskill Mountains, the home is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the form of native oak leaves.
Positioned on a crest among rolling hills, the residence is conceived as a sanctuary for a couple seeking a life away from New York City. Desai Chia Architecture meticulously integrated the design with the landscape, capturing the interplay of light and shadows through its innovative architecture.
Nature-Emulating Design Inspired by Oak Leaves
The architects introduced a single-story home crowned with a sculptural roof featuring deep overhangs that emulate the gentle curves of oak leaves. These architectural elements not only provide shade but also create playful light patterns reminiscent of the surrounding woodland.
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The exterior is adorned with corrugated metal siding, lending a continuous ripple effect that seamlessly follows the roof’s contours. “Corrugated metal offers rugged durability and elegant aesthetics,” noted the design team. Soffits and covered seating areas utilize plain-sawn accoya wood to enhance the natural theme.
Fluid Interior Spaces
At the heart of the home lies a social hub, including a kitchen, dining room, and living area. These spaces blend seamlessly under vaulted, curved ceilings, forming a “cloud of luminosity.” Full-height glass walls deliver breathtaking views from the forest floor to the treetops beyond.
Each wing of the residence caters to specific needs; one hosts the primary bedroom while the other accommodates additional bedrooms. Hidden clerestory windows introduce natural light into the primary bathroom and entryway, maintaining the theme of connecting interior and exterior spaces.
Complementary Structures
A detached guesthouse echoes the main residence’s style with its corrugated siding and sliding doors that lead to a pool terrace. Additionally, Desai Chia collaborated with Rimol Greenhouses to create a greenhouse and barn, which glow invitingly at night due to their polycarbonate walls.
Ample grazing areas for livestock and garden paths leading to a tranquil pond further integrate the residence with its environment, suggesting a sustainable, pastoral lifestyle.
Though initially envisioned as a part-time retreat, this residence has increasingly become, providing a foundation for their burgeoning agriculture and gardening interests. Captured with precision by Paul Warchol, this project represents Desai Chia’s commitment to creating harmonious living spaces.
Explore similar architectural sophistication in Toronto with the Snider House’s curved glass elegance, a must-see for its blend of heritage and modern design.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the design of Chatham Residence?
The design of Chatham Residence was inspired by the form of native oak leaves, featuring a sculptural roof with deep overhangs that emulate their gentle curves.
What materials are used in Chatham Residence’s exterior?
The exterior of Chatham Residence is adorned with corrugated metal siding, offering a continuous ripple effect. Soffits and covered seating areas utilize plain-sawn accoya wood to enhance the natural theme.
What complementary structures are at Chatham Residence?
The property includes a detached guesthouse with corrugated siding, sliding doors leading to a pool terrace, a greenhouse, and a barn with polycarbonate walls, created in collaboration with Rimol Greenhouses.