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Architects: Studio MM Architect
- Area: 2450 ft²
- Year: 2019
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Photographs:Brad Feinknopf
Text description provided by the architects. In Kerhonkson, New York, a floating fitness studio soars above a natural ridge, anchoring a curated private sanctuary in the woods. At the foothills of the Catskill Mountains in New York’s Hudson Valley, a densely wooded site with dramatic changes in elevation presented a unique opportunity to create moments of shifting perspective.
Relating to nature in different ways from different vantage points, the built environment becomes an interactive vessel for experiencing a dynamic sense of place. High on a ridge, a protruding knoll extends into the distance before a drop off, the elevated site overlooking the Catskill Mountains and a running creek below. Directly responding to the topography, the main volume of the home parallels the ridge, while a gallery and studio space extend horizontally along the knoll.
The client – a marathon runner, businesswoman, traveler, musician, and art collector – wanted not only a comfortable and thoughtfully-designed home, but also an inspiring place to pursue creative and athletic passions. At the heart of the design is a glass-enclosed fitness studio that extends over the ridge. Surrounded by trees, the studio appears to float above the landscape as the topography falls steeply away.
The studio volume is deliberately pulled apart from the rest of the home, accessed via an enclosed gallery. Following the ridgeline, the gallery emphasizes the journey to the studio, while displaying deeply personal mementos and works of art – visual reminders of formative accomplishments and memorable life experiences. The studio, enclosed by glass on three sides, is a dedicated space for the pursuit of personal passions – for this client, it is running. A treadmill and an indoor cycling bike enable focused physical training while maintaining an inspiring visual connection with the wooded landscape.
Elsewhere in the home, shifting views of the site evoke different feelings and new experiential interactions with the environment. From the home’s open living room and patio, large expanses of glass put forest views front and center. The gently sloping topography outside the main living space presents a different vantage point than the studio, eliciting the feeling of being among the trees rather than above them. The main suite includes a spacious freestanding tub – a place to both relax and heal after running.
The soaking tub sits prominently next to a corner window, the slightly southern vantage point offering seasonal mountain views – a distinct perspective shift from looking down the ridge. The home’s interiors are thoughtfully curated, intimately tied to both the client and the place. Original artwork is featured cohesively throughout the residence, each piece personally meaningful to the client. In the dining room, a custom table was designed by Studio MM and fabricated by local furniture maker Braxton Alexander.
The collaborative piece features a live edge maple slab top, connected by charred white oak butterfly joints. With personal or local connections proudly shining through, every piece has meaning. Bringing the client’s personal journey to the forefront, Cat Hill is a celebration of past accomplishments and meaningful life experiences – while leaving room to build new memories.
