Set on a gently sloping, five-acre site along Upstate New York’s Delaware River, this project began with a simple goal: to create a place of retreat that celebrates the landscape itself.
The homeowners wanted a home that felt connected to its surroundings - a place where comfort comes from the quality of light, air, and materials rather than technology or scale. The design centers on five distinct outdoor zones, each framing a different experience of the land: from the open field and firepit overlooking the river valley to a quiet ridge shaded by tall grasses and wildflowers.
The architecture reflects this same restraint. A compact, high-performance home built on a stilt foundation, it consolidates mechanical systems into a single efficient core. Materials were chosen to age gracefully in the region’s shifting seasons.
Inside, spaces are flexible and deliberate. A simple strip kitchen anchors the main living area, while a small “rumpus room” offers a space for kids to play or watch movies when the days turn rainy.
Every aspect of the project supports the homeowners’ goal: to build a resilient, low-impact home that invites people to slow down, explore the land, and feel connected to the rhythms of the river.
Site Planning: TIGHT HOUSE
Architecture: TIGHT HOUSE
Interior Design: TIGHT HOUSE
Status: Schematic Design