Forma's Cedar-Clad Hillside Home Blends Art and Nature in Hudson Valley
In the picturesque Hudson Valley, the architectural firm Forma has unveiled a striking cedar-clad dwelling that redefines the concept of a weekend retreat. This 1,474-square-foot cuboid structure, designed by principals Miroslava Brooks and Daniel Markiewicz for their personal use, is engineered to present a dynamic visual experience, subtly altering its appearance with changes in light and perspective. Perched gently on a sloping hill, the residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of artistic expression and minimal environmental impact, offering a sanctuary that is both integrated with and distinct from its natural surroundings. The project overcame considerable obstacles, including the economic repercussions of the pandemic, showcasing resilience and ingenuity in its realization.
This distinctive home, featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms, occupies a modest 700-square-foot footprint within a sprawling nine-acre wooded estate in Hillsdale, New York. Its design philosophy centered on creating an object of art within the landscape, rather than merely a functional building, while meticulously minimizing its ecological footprint. The architects articulated their vision for the house as a singular artistic gesture, standing in elegant contrast to the serene environment, engaging with the picturesque countryside through thoughtfully calibrated design elements, both interior and exterior.
Situated in a secluded hilltop clearing, accessible via a private drive, the residence strategically frames views of the Catskills to the west through vertical windows and the Berkshires to the east through unique pentagon-shaped apertures. The exterior cladding, composed of stained cedar, is ingeniously angled to shift its pattern as one circumnavigates the structure. Vertical planks on the west facade firmly anchor the house to the ground, while diagonal boards on the eastern side correspond to the way the house is elevated on angled supports, creating a sheltered patio space beneath.
The majority of the cedar exterior is rendered in a dark, blackened finish, creating a dramatic contrast with the vibrant landscape. However, the walls of the patio area retain their natural, warm cedar tone, a design choice intended to highlight the wood's inherent texture and to suggest that this space was 'carved' directly from the house's volume. This deliberate contrast contributes to the architects' aim for the structure to appear timeless and sculptural, rather than bound by conventional scale.
The interior layout of the square floorplan is bisected across all three levels, dedicating one half to shared public spaces and the other to private sleeping quarters. The ground floor accommodates a private suite alongside the covered deck. The second level features a smaller bedroom with an en-suite, sharing space with a double-height living room and kitchen. A third suite on the uppermost level offers westward views. This vertical arrangement and minimized foundation significantly reduced construction costs without compromising the home's livability or aesthetic appeal.
Inside, the main communal area is distinguished by a contemporary fireplace seamlessly integrated into the countertop millwork, unifying the living and dining spaces while enhancing functionality along the east facade. The compact kitchen is oriented northward to optimize natural daylight. Strategically placed skylights, such as one directly above a bed in an upstairs bedroom, further enhance the home's connection to its natural light sources.
This residence stands as a testament to creative problem-solving in the face of real-world challenges, embodying a blend of idealism, practical considerations, and design ingenuity forged during the pandemic era. It narrates a story of first-time homebuilding that mirrors broader societal shifts in how Americans perceive and prioritize space, location, and lifestyle in a post-COVID world. The project's prolonged development, spanning nearly five years, was a direct consequence of soaring construction costs and labor shortages induced by the pandemic, necessitating multiple redesigns and extensive contractor engagement, alongside personal and professional growth for the architects.