Hudson Modern: Residential Landscapes

Just north of New York City and its eight million-plus residents lies the Hudson River Valley. Dramatic and bucolic, the region features historic towns and sweeping vistas of the Catskill Mountains and the river that bears its name. Its beauty inspired the Hudson River School, a group of 19th-century painters enchanted by the area's natural splendor. Fascination with the region continues today with the "other Hudson River School"--architects making their mark with their own testaments to the area.
 
In Hudson Modern, architectural writer David Sokol features residences that integrate a modern aesthetic with the rugged landscape. Each dwelling, whether it's a second home or an artist's studio, seamlessly melds with the land on which it sits. A guest house in Dutchess County is designed with large glass panes that minimize "manmade distractions" to immerse occupants into the landscape, while a house in Red Rock, whose design reflects the rough environment, emerges unobtrusively from a hillside. Natural and locally sourced materials are used alongside concrete and steel to create structures that are visionary and distinctive. Interiors are thoughtfully, if less dramatically, designed with a nod toward minimalism. Profiles of each residence and interviews with architects reveal a commitment to honor the visions of the homeowners; this collaborative spirit shines in each example.
 
The unobtrusive beauty of the Hudson Valley might seem like a poor choice for decidedly modern homes against the backdrop of nature and vernacular architecture. Yet each home--"unique, but not out of place"--brings these elements together to enrich an already beautiful area. --Frank Brasile, librarian
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