Alexander Gorlin Architects designed the modern Sterling Forest House in a historic village in New York. The residence was requested to be be both private and unobtrusive. This statement achieved balance by carefully situating the structure into the quarried stone of the site. Sustainable design strategies were used with sensitivity to the environment. The result is a new architectural standard for the local community.

 

Respecting the site and the environment

The building’s footprint was minimized by incorporating the mechanical room underneath the house. Sixty percent of the site was left untouched respecting the context and careful attention was paid to preserve the site and its natural vegetation. The location and orientation of the plan minimized the elimination of trees. Likewise, the driveway curves around older trees in order to save them.

The design utilized multiple sustainable design features in order to minimize the structure’s impact on its environment. Those features included a drainage system along the driveway. The rainwater runoff is used to nourish the garden in the courtyard. The plants that were removed during construction were replaced by a green roof. Boards were placed on the site to minimize damage to the landscape by heavy machinery during the construction process. The project was careful to make the smallest amount of effect to the grounds.

 

Modest and modern

The salmon and gray local granite clad blends into the landscape. The home has mahogany windows with nonreflective glass. The house sits in a rock shelf and has an internal rock garden, of which the reclaimed wood-paneled entry hall opens to a beautiful view. This level also contains the dining, kitchen as well as living areas. There is a cantilevered frosted glass canopy that serves as a cover protecting the terrace and shielding the exterior living space from bad weather. The lower level includes all of the bedrooms which each have their own private terrace. The garage, guest wing, and playroom are conveniently attached.

The architects were careful to approach this project with sensitivity and worked collaboratively with members of the local architectural review board. The result is a house that establishes a new modern standard for a community characterized by historic homes.