New York City based Architectural Studio producing thoughtful, sensible & sustainable design
Encompassing over 5,080 square feet (465 sq m), Silvernails main residence interiors features airy rooms, vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams, natural light throughout, and carefully defined views that frame the ever-changing seasonal landscape. The main residence is visually and functionally divided into public living and private bedroom areas by a central feature staircase of floating treads and full-length skylights overhead. Basement areas are elemental, raw, earthen, cave-like, dark and cool, whilst the ground floor is warm, wood-focussed and light-filled, progressing to the top loft space soft whiteness, minimal and bright.
A sun-filled south-facing corridor travels the length of the bedroom wing, acts as a galleria and captures poetic shadowplay throughout the day. The Great Room merges the kitchen, breakfast bar, dining, living, and lounge into one dramatic, barn-like, light-filled, double height cathedral ceilinged space.
A clear focus on local materials informed interior finish selections. Tree species endemic to the heavily wooded property were selected for warmth and character: white oak for flooring and lining, walnut for cabinetry, hickory for feature vanity units. Local granite, slate, marble and domestic quarried stone guided choices for the chimney hearth, wet areas, master ensuite and basement masonry respectively.
Sustainability features include a high-performance facade of super-insulation, air-tight membranes, rain screens, triple glazing throughout, and all-electric appliances. Adjustable exterior sunshading devices and in-wall heat-recovery ventilation units, help ensure an adaptable and comfortable interior environment, with continuous fresh air, year round. Operable windows and sliding doors are positioned to encourage cross-ventilation. Heating is provided with fireplaces and wood stoves, or with energy-efficient multi-split heat-pump air-conditioning systems. Downstairs, the underground wine cellar is completely passive and without the need for temperature control. Upstairs, daylighting is harvested by multiple skylights.
Completed 2018. All Renderings and Drawings by Amalgam Studio. Photography by Oliver Mint.