Hudson Valley (October 1992)

Guesthouse and spa

photographs by Judith Watts

These two new buildings are in a vernacular style. The separation of the various functional elements into two structures grouped around the pool proved to be a successful strategy for maintaining a small-scale village atmosphere. The size of the guesthouse is skillfully concealed by pulling the gables down around the second floor. The small second-floor windows at the level of the floor further reduce the apparent size of the structure. The exterior elevations of the two buildings are carefully controlled exercises in minimal design. Repetitive elements tie the buildings together. The mullioned doors and windows are variations on a vernacular theme, a small but arresting change to a traditional form. The palette of exterior materials is limited to local stone, split rail fence and white clapboard.

The jury also cited the single room spa structure for its simple interior, again composed of a restrained range of vernacular elements.

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