Inside A Mansion Built On The Edge Of An Abandoned Quarry | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

TL;DR

A stunning house built on a former Quarry site, showcasing innovative architecture and seamless integration with the surrounding natural landscape.

Transcript

foreign I wanted to make sure that the materials the palette the character of the house was responsive to the site it's not often that you're building on top of a 40-foot tall stone wall hi I'm Stephen Harris I am the architect of the Bedford Quarry house it is within an hour of New York but it feels like you could be in Montana this was a function... Read More

Key Insights

• 👀 The architects embraced the challenging site conditions instead of looking for easy, flat surfaces to build on.
• 👾 The design of the house aims to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces, with nature serving as the foreground.
• ❓ Careful attention was given to the daily rituals and comfort of the homeowners, including the placement of bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage areas.
• 🏘️ The house incorporates local materials and textures, creating a sense of place and harmony with the surrounding landscape.
• 😒 The use of water features, such as a waterfall and a pool, adds tranquility and enhances the overall experience of the site.
• 🎨 Collaboration with a landscape architect was crucial in creating a cohesive and integrated design.
• 🎨 The architect sought to create a sense of effortlessness and inevitability in the design, prioritizing serenity and comfort over visual spectacle.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the architect make use of the challenging site conditions in the design of the Bedford Quarry House?

The architect saw the difficult site as an opportunity and incorporated the abundant water and beautiful vegetation into the design, creating a unique geological experience.

Q: What is the concept behind the house's unique approach to revealing different spaces?

The house aims to create a liminal condition by offering glimpses of different views and spaces, teasing the viewer and inducing movement throughout the house.

Q: How does the house blend with the surrounding environment?

The house features glass walls, natural materials, and a sedum roof, seamlessly integrating with the nearby Quarry, waterfall, and woodland.

Q: What are some notable design elements in the house?

The house features a concept of a sliding brick wall, a figurative stair, window seats in the children's rooms, and a skylight that runs the length of a brick wall.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Bedford Quarry House is an architectural project located on a difficult sloping site with abundant water and beautiful vegetation.

• The house aims to create a liminal experience by gradually revealing different views and spaces as one moves through it.

• The interiors are subtle and muted, with attention to detail and integration with the natural environment.