Nature and modern design come together when the
architectural team at Austin Patterson Disston
creates a unique getaway within the wetlands.

When is a box not just a box" That was the question posed recently by McKee (Mac) Patterson, partner at the architectural firm of Austin Patterson Disston.
In this case, the ?box? was actually a rectangular-shaped home that was purchased by his clients in Pound Ridge, NY. The space, originally built in the 1960s, overlooked a pond that was part of the area?s environmentally protected wetlands.
The homeowners, a family with school-aged children looking for a quiet weekend retreat, wanted to keep the home?s distinctive modern feel but make the space welcoming enough to invite family and friends over for a swim or barbecue.
It seemed like the perfect property, yet it presented some challenges when the time came to renovate the structure. The clients were looking to completely rebuild the home, but due to existing town regulations, they were not permitted to do so.
Environmental Challenges
?We did have a lot of limitations with this project, yet it was completely understandable given the location,? Mac explained. ?The pond was so clean, immaculate; there was no algae growth. So the town was really cautious about maintaining that.?
Although they were largely forbidden to make any significant changes to the landscape, Mac and his team were given permission to selectively clear the area. Doing so allowed them to maintain the older t...