Inside A Floating House Hidden In The Woods | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

TL;DR

Architect couple builds a modern, floating house that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings.

Transcript

the way it achieves The Floating House Effect is really through engineering and structure what I find in the most exciting about architecture is that it combines the technology which is the engineering side in the structural engineering and then you have the artistic side and at the same time it's a place that you live in [Applause] my name is Chen... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥡 The architects took on their professional roles in designing and building their dream house.
• 🗯️ They overcame challenges in finding the right land by choosing a distressed property.
• 🏘️ The floating effect of the house was achieved through engineering and structure.
• 🏘️ The house seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings.
• 🙂 The architects prioritized natural light and views in their design.
• 🏘️ The house features a covered walkway connecting the main house and garage studio.
• 👾 The architects incorporated mirrors strategically to create an illusion of more space.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the architects find the location for their weekend house?

The architects chose the location in Katonah, New York, because of its proximity to lakes and commuting distance. They initially looked for land but ended up considering distressed properties.

Q: What challenges did the architects face during the construction process?

The architects had to work with a property that had not been lived in for 15 years, with a damaged roof and animals living inside. They also had to ensure regulatory compliance and connect the garage studio to the main house with a covered walkway.

Q: What is the architectural concept behind the house's design?

The architects wanted to create a sense of floating, so they built a steel structure with small foundations that are hidden within the walls. The house features large windows for natural light and views of the surrounding nature.

Q: How does the house blend into its natural surroundings?

The architects intentionally designed the house to blend in with the landscape. The exterior is a dark shade to mimic the shadow of the trees, and the materials and lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The architects, Chen Leland and Denise, designed and built their dream weekend house together, taking on their professional roles in the development process.

• Unable to find affordable land, they decided to purchase a distressed property that had not been lived in for 15 years.

• The house features a unique floating effect, achieved through engineering and structure, with a steel frame and small foundations that are hidden within conventional walls.