Hastings on Hudson, New York

The Perch is a private residence in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. The creation of the home, with a modernist spin on the archetypal house-shape, was the culmination of a poignant homecoming for the owners, high school sweethearts who returned after thirty years. Situated on a high bluff over a former granite quarry, the site boasts stunning views of the Palisades, which is particularly striking from the “perch”, a floating loft space in the gable at the upper-most level of the house.

Project Type: Residential – Single Family

Project Square Footage: 3,174 sf

Project Budget: Withheld at Owner’s Request

Completion Date: 2021

Zoning Constraints: Front yard variance for entry extension.

With a modernist spin on the archetypal house shape, The Perch represents a fusion of the nostalgic past with the openness of contemporary design. The creation of this 3,174 sf residence in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York was a poignant homecoming for the owners, Edmond and Nadia, who returned to their hometown after 30 years to be close to extended family and friends. Situated on a high bluff over a former granite quarry, the site boasts a stunning vista of the Palisades, and distant views of the Hudson River, as well as a clear view of Edmond’s childhood home.

Situated on significant exposed rock ledge amidst a grove of hickory and oak trees, the house is nestled in a park - like setting on 1.2 acres. With heavy stucco walls, tiny individual rooms and small cut-out windows affording little natural light, the existing 1,576 sf house was repurposed for the entry, den, mud room and bedrooms, while an addition was added to open up both the living area and master suite to western views, and the surrounding rocky terrain.

The gable roof of the original home was repeated in the addition, but the two sections stand in stark contrast to each other. The updated details of the existing building were simplified, while the more modern addition is predominantly a glass box. Magnificent views can be experienced through the expanse of glass along the western façade, with particularly striking views from the “perch” - a floating loft space in the upper-most level of the gable.

When entering the house, visitors encounter a wall of rift-cut oak with a waterfall edge and asymmetrical open shelves that give way to panoramic views through the ground floor windows. Two steps lead down to the new section of the house, intentionally lowered to bring the west façade closer to grade, inviting the outdoors in. The open living, dining, kitchen is flanked by a series of expansive glass doors to encourage flow between indoor and outdoor areas.

A high east-facing window bathes the kitchen in treetop-filtered morning light. A mix of white and natural wood, the custom built-ins define the spaces without walls.

Modern windows and stucco walls are punctuated by a walnut slab entry door capped with a horizontal roof covering hung by steel rods. At the new section of the house, the wall enclosure becomes transparent rather than solid, with large planes of glass wrapping around corners, breaking the box. The two-story glass façade illuminates the open living space with western light and beckons visitors to the floating stone terrace and pollinator gardens that have been integrated into the existing terrain. The horizontal cladding at the addition is a contrast to, and in conversation with the stucco exterior at the original house. The juxtaposition of old and new contrasts ideas of traditional with modern.

At the master bedroom, the interior space opens through the western glass wall onto a cable rail deck and continues upward into a vaulted ceiling featuring minimalist steel ties. Alternating steps off the hall lead to the “perch”, a viewing platform that floats over the master bedroom offering majestic Palisades views. With many special vantage points throughout the house set off by extraordinary natural light, this reimagined home has given the owners a unique and inspiring space to spend time with their children, host large family gatherings, and enjoy quiet contemplation.