monochrome wood-clad house by studio mm nestles along sloped site in upstate new york

South Mountain House by Studio MM Architect sets in the woods

Located on a sloping site near the Shawanagunk Mountains of upstate New York, South Mountain House by Studio MM Architect is a terraced home that responds to its natural surroundings. Separated into two volumes anchored by a glass corridor, the private entry volume houses the guest suites. The lower volume opens to a glass-enclosed rear facade that showcases expansive wooded views from the main living area. The residence is designed for a family and extended relative group that endorses living in proximity to the mountains.

The unique downhill slope of the site stands as a challenge for the project and becomes a leading factor in the design process. The slope encourages a terraced design as the home’s proximity to the road invites a smaller, more modest front facade that provides privacy for the lower volume. A clear sightline leading from the main entry straight to the sloping backyard immediately connects the two volumes and attracts attention to the home. A glass-enclosed stairway connects the upper volume to the lower, inviting a pause and reconnection to the outdoors. While the two volumes are terraced, the rooflines remain in plane with one another, creating a double-height living area that becomes the focal point of the home.

all images by Brad Feinknopf

the design ensures spatial and visual connection to outdoors

The nine-foot-tall entry opens up to a fifteen-foot-tall window wall, emphasizing the home’s connection to the site in an expansive living area perfect for hosting guests. Staggered window lines create a playful facade while ensuring unobstructed views. Extending from the living area, a lowered deck continues out to the site. The continued step-downs of the home offers open views from the living area by deck furniture or structure. To retain the emphasis on the main living area, the design team opts for efficient and comfortable bedrooms. The upper volume offers increased privacy for guests and a comfortable gym space. Below the glass corridor connector, the main bedroom suite and the daughter’s room stretch out in a lower volume parallel to the slope.

The diagonal relationship between the guest bedrooms and the main bedroom allows for maximum privacy for both parties. In contrast to a darker wood-clad exterior, the interior is filled with pops of color. Emphasized at night, colorful wallpapers and unique light fixtures decorate the space. During the day, the sun floods the interior spaces, complementing the clean lines throughout the home. South Mountain House’s terraced design takes full advantage of the sloping wooded site while providing guests and residents with spatial autonomy. Strategically located corridors and expansive glazing provide views down to the creek, into the woods, and up to the sky.