The Round House structure is nestled into the side of a hill on a picturesque 36-acre property in the Housatonic Valley. From this perch the house enjoys expansive views of the valley and with its circular form is like a modern tholos to nature. The building is functionally efficient at only 2500 SF, but still feels grand in its public entertaining space with a 21-foot-tall ceiling and rooftop oculus. A living green wall connects the oculus skylight to the lower floor and terraced lawn beyond. And a curved staircase in the central atrium has glass treads to achieving a minimalistic aesthetic and further accentuate the green wall’s biophilic theme. The showcasing of nature is also found in the careful minimalist detailing of seamless curved glass windows, smooth plaster walls, and polished concrete floors. The living room makes for an exciting gathering space with views of the valley on one hand and a view of the house’s naturally illuminated green wall on the other. In the living room is a modern circular fireplace that uses a refined ventless hood technology. The exterior cladding is done in cypress wood that respects the surrounding forest and an exterior stair gives access to the roof, which serves as an additional entertaining space with a fire pit and panoramic views of the valley.
The countryside home will be used as a retreat and business showcase space for the client’s family and entrepreneurial needs. Hand cut field stone mark the entry portal, and once inside, guest find themselves on a cantilevered bridge, leading through the dramatic double height atrium. A kitchen, study, and TV room are radially connected to the primary central space. The split-level design creates an orderly arrangement of the houses’ public and private program. On the lower floor are the private master and guest bedrooms enjoy floor to ceiling windows opening to the valley and private access to the terraced lawn and trails. The siting of the building in the side of the hill also gives the Round House an appropriate setback for a proper country driveway approach and visual privacy in the natural landscape.