Location: Irvington, NY
Project Type: New Construction
Lot Size: 23,600 sq ft
Building Size: 4,150 sq ft
Contractor: Marinkovic Home Improvement Contracting
Landscape Architect: Rivi Oren Landscape Inc
The goal of this project was to take advantage of a steeply graded site that had commanding rock outcroppings and a panoramic view of the Hudson River at the high point of the property. The clients requested a modern home with a spacious open plan oriented toward the western views. This was the origin of the design concept that led to what the owners call their “Upside-Down House.” The bedroom level, with its smaller footprint, sits below, nestled into the hill, while all the communal and entertaining areas are located above. With twenty-foot grade differentials on the site, following the natural topography in this way minimized the rock excavation and maximized the impact of the view.
The restrained palette of natural materials used inside and out – split ledge stonework, stone paving, and western red cedar siding – all work to integrate the structure into its surroundings. The excavated stone was utilized to build up the walk-out terrace area and create the garden walls in order for the front landscape structures to appear as though emerging from the native rock formations.
As an organizing feature, a prominent stone retaining wall leads one along a pathway from the street into the building. Inside the double-height glazed entry foyer, the stone wall rises to become a vertical structural element. It creates a visual backdrop to the entry stairs, inviting visitors to ascend to the Great Room above. Here, an open plan living/dining/kitchen area features a 14-foot high sloped ceiling with north and south clerestory windows along its length. A 28-foot wide wall of sliding glass doors opens up to a landscaped entertainment terrace and the magnificent Hudson vista beyond.
