This spectacular shou sugi ban house was designed by Studio MM in collaboration with Larsen Builders, located in Kerhonkson, a hamlet in Ulster County, New York. Nestled in the woods of Hudson Valley, this house was conceived as a car lover’s dream retreat. An expansive garage was the central focus of the design, generating space for car storage and maintenance as well as a spacious wine cellar and a furniture workshop.
The rectangular form of the house, which is partially embedded in the hilly landscape, emerges from the lower-level garage and creates an open plan living space ideal for entertaining, relaxing by a cozy fire, or creating a home cooked meal.
The exterior cladding focuses on the Japanese technique of charring wood called shou sugi ban. Using premium cedar siding, the wood was charred and finished prior to installation, giving it a unique and durable finish. Inset gutters maintain the sleek silhouette of the house while retaining full functionality.
Upon approach to the house, guests are greeted by a cantilevered entryway and an impressive twelve-foot mahogany pivot door, and a double-height entryway. The exposed concrete wall extends from the exterior, and the continuous wood beam structure of the cantilever pulls the eye up and through the space.
The stair, with solid wood treads made from hardwood trees formerly on the house’s site, draws guests to the main living level and bridges the private and public sections of the dwelling.
What We Love: This shou sugi ban house integrates into the landscape, surrounded by a peaceful woodsy setting. Large windows perfectly frame views of this serene outdoor environment that provides the utmost privacy and relaxation. We are loving the exterior facade and how the home was designed with the main living spaces on the upper level to maximize views. Minimal details help to maintain focus on the tranquility of the landscape.
Tell Us: What do you think of the aesthetics of this home? Would you change any of the details? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of New York: Lake house getaway boasts wintry views in the Adirondack Mountains and A waterfront home in Rye, New York gets a masculine yet inviting refresh.
Above: Handcrafted furnishings can be found throughout this home. The dining room table was a collaboration between Studio MM and craftsman Elijah Leed and is accented by a Studio MM-designed brass chandelier.
Above: The open-plan living space is anchored by an expansive window seat that provides a cozy reading nook next to the built-in fireplace.
Above: A waterfall-edge marble island adds a touch of elegance to the open living area.
Above: In the main bedroom, the architects constructed a built-in headboard and crafted custom linen curtains.
The cantilevered roof from the front entry extends through to the rear of the house to shade an exterior deck. The furniture-finish plywood-clad structure is supported by a single cantilevered beam anchored to the exterior fireplace. Stainless steel detailing accents both fireplaces, providing wood storage space on the exterior and additional warmth for the hearth on the interior.
The furniture studio below the deck is accessed via a custom oversized bi-fold door. The house’s simple footprint and partially submerged lower level begin to speak to its efficient design. During the summer, concrete floors and exposed concrete walls keep the first-floor cool while the covered deck and strategically placed windows on the second floor provide passive cooling for the flexible entertaining space.
PHOTOGRAPHER Brad Feinknopf
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