Situated on a portion of an old farm in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains in New York State, the Cranberry Pond House occupies a site transitioning into a burgeoning woodland. Overlooking a spring-fed pond that draws in frogs, turtles, beavers, osprey, herons, and ducks, the house takes on a sculptural form that ascends above the landscape. This design choice ensures that the ecology and hydrology of the Cranberry Pond House site can flow unimpeded beneath the structure.
©Bryce de Reynier
Cranberry Pond House’s Design Concept
Crafted around the biophilic principles of Refuge and Prospect, this 3-bedroom, 1,150 sqft Cranberry Pond House is designed to evoke a sense of protection within its surroundings while offering an expansive feel through its serene view of the pond below. The connection to the landscape and the thoughtfully designed layout enhance the perceived spaciousness of the house. The sculptural form of the Cranberry Pond House corresponds to the size and function of its various spaces: communal areas feature soaring ceilings, whereas bedrooms and bathrooms exhibit a more subdued and tranquil scale. ©Bryce de Reynier
The linear structure ensures privacy between spaces and imparts a distinct character to the parents’ bedroom, making it feel like a secluded cabin at the end of the house. The Cranberry Pond House was designed with energy efficiency in mind. It features a glass wall facing southeast to harness passive solar heating in winter. The...