Catskill Retreat
Greene County, New York
Design Development
Design Team
Jejon Yeung, Max Worrell, Cohen Hudson, Diandra Rendradjaja, Emma Scott, Joseph Hsu
Collaborators
Structural Engineer: Silman
Landscape Architect: Understory
Civil Engineer: Kaaterskill Associates
MEP Engineer: Altieri Sebor Wieber LLC
Nestled in the varied terrains of the Catskill region in Upstate New York, this self-sustainable retreat is designed to seamlessly connect and celebrate the site’s diverse landscape typologies: the forest, the valley, and the kill. The retreat features four distinct structures (Guest Lodge, Fitness Pavilion, Forest Cottage and Barn/Greenhouse), with the Guest Lodge serving as the central anchor, connecting all buildings and experiences. Sustainability and minimal environmental impact are key to the design, utilizing mass timber construction and off-grid systems. Each structure is formally linked but takes on a different material language that responds to the unique conditions of the site.
Overall Site Plan
Guest Lodge
Fitness Pavilion
Forest Cottage
Barn | Greenhouse
At the core is the Guest Lodge, which is strategically positioned at the junction of the valley, forest, and kill, acting as the retreat’s focal point. This structure comprises two central volumes that contain social programs such as a great room, group dining area, a lounge and a bar organized around a central staircase, and two other volumes, one on either side of the social programs, that contain a total of 9 guest suites and one kids bunk room and playroom. Two decks on the lower level extend from both sides of the guest suites facing the meadow on the Eastern side. Finally, a full basement floor contains other social functions such as bowling lanes and a screening room.
Each structure is formally linked but takes on a different material language that responds to the unique conditions of the site.
The Fitness Pavilion is uniquely positioned adjacent to the kill, where it overlooks a floodplain and wetland area. This structure consists of two offset volumes that cluster around an outdoor court, containing fitness programs such as a dry sauna and steam room, and a large flexible room for yoga on one side, and a small cottage that accommodates 2 guests on the other. An outdoor lap pool runs along the Southern side of the structure facing the meadow.
Accessed via a small footbridge, the Forest Cottage sits delicately and negotiates a landscape of rocks, ferns, conifers and deciduous trees deep inside the wooded forest. This small, private retreat is organized as two separate volumes that shift to adapt to the terrain and provide intimate spaces within. One volume contains a compact but efficient social space and the other is a sleeping area with en-suite bathroom each with its own unique view and light condition.
Located in the valley and close to the kill, the Barn and Greenhouse serves to highlight the integration of sustainable living and natural resource management. The barn provides a small apartment for a farmer along with storage for farming tools and equipment, while the greenhouse offers year-round organic food production.
