Catskill House

Halcottsville, NY

This two-story residence, situated on a hillside overlooking the Catskill Mountains, was inspired by the farmhouses and barns commonplace throughout the rural area which surrounds it. This vernacular gable form is celebrated by the sweeping curved wall of the living room which maximizes the views toward the mountains. The stairway and foyer entrance are accentuated by skewing out a section of the rear façade at an angle, creating an exciting and spacious space. The interior features a fireplace made from local stone walls, vaulted ceilings and rough-sewn local hemlock beams. Every room in the house is oriented to take advantage of the sweeping views. The house features a radiant floor heating system and cellulose insulation to minimize energy use and a cross-ventilating window design that takes advantage of the hilltop breeze in the summer and keeps the house cool.