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Y House

Catskill, NY, US

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.

Location
Catskill, NY, US
Years
1997–1999
Size
3,500 sq ft
Status
Complete
architect
Steven Holl Architects
Steven Holl (design architect)
Erik Fenstad Langdalen (project architect)
Annette Goderbauer, Yoh Hanaoka, Bradford Kelley, Justin Korhammer, Jennifer Lee, Chris McVoy (project team)
local architect
Peter Liaunig
structural engineer
Robert Silman Associates
lighting consultant
L'Observatoire International
general contractor
Dick Dougherty
furniture
Face Design

Timeline

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