Existing site
The umbrella organization that supports this network of organizations selected UQ to undertake the project after a competitive RFP process. The major elements of the design brief were to renovate the main existing barn structure as well as design a new event space and cabins. UQ’s approach was to first develop an overall master plan with a menu of both renovations and new construction options.
The renovation and reimagining of this sanctuary space required a light touch to intervention in the landscape while upgrading and renovating existing structures to preserve the pastoral qualities of the site. Renovations of the barn structure would include converting an unused stable area into guestrooms and bathrooms for overnight accommodation, and the transformation of the underutilized hayloft and stables into a meeting facility to accommodate larger groups.
Existing floor plan
Renovated floor plan
Renovated stable exterior with a new patio
Renovated hayloft
A significant feature of the site is a stream, part of the Pocantico watershed. A boardwalk was proposed that follows the contour of the site, crossing the stream at multiple points. The boardwalk is elevated to minimize impact to the wetland areas and allow the stream to flow below while also incorporating the infrastructure of the cabin. The cabins form nodes along this path, oriented to create groupings of cabins positioned at strategic points in the landscape. The journey culminates at the event center which overlooks and floats over the pond.
The design of the cabins consisted of clusters, each sharing a common deck. The cabins themselves maintain privacy and open to expansive views of the landscape. The roof plane helps to guide the geometry, starting low at the boardwalk side to enhance privacy facing the common path.
The roof angles upwards as the cabins face out towards the landscape. Large glazing walls bring in light and views of the trees and sky. The lowest point is at the entry, facing the deck between the cabins, compressing the space to create intimacy as guests enter the semi-private space of the common area.
A large pavilion is anchored to the shore of the pond, designed to float over the water. The event space consists of a single volume with a large-span roof and a heavy timber frame, a smaller glass volume nested within for indoor events, an and a continuous open deck floor that becomes a pier as it moves from land to water with a kitchen/ bar in between.
Plan of the event space
