Y House

On a hilltop site in a remote section of the Catskill Mountains, the “Y” House ascends the hill, splitting to form two arms, ending in balconies. The “Y” cuts a slice of sky and draws the sun into the heart of the house. Like a found forked stick, the Y makes a primitive mark on a vast site. The geometry contains a sectional flip of public/private and day/night with bedrooms below and living above.

Maximum wall hanging space to accommodate a contemporary art collection is balanced with windows framing unique views. Deep balconies facing nearly due south act as passive solar devices allowing the winter sun to penetrate the interiors while excluding the hot summer sun. Steel framing and roof are iron-oxide red, siding is stained cedar while interiors are white with ash floors.