weiss / manfredi sets residence in tuxedo park as a sequence of terraced levels

weiss / manfredi sets residence in tuxedo park as a sequence of terraced levels
image © albert večerka/esto

flanked by three lakes and surrounded by forestry, ‘the mccann residence’ by weiss / manfredi is the first contemporary build located on tuxedo park–a former country resort in new york state and established in 1885. the character of the building embraces its natural setting, while radically departing from the vernacular-style architecture that already exists.

the scheme is located on a former hunting-and-fishing preserve oriented around three glacial lakes
image © albert večerka/esto

the site is defined by two cast granite escarpments and metered by a series of retaining walls quarried nearby that simultaneously echo the historic stone walls prevalent throughout the park. the architecture is partially dictated by the plot’s steep topography; the sequence of outdoor terraces organized in an ascending route and the sectional development of the house.

two cast granite escarpments is metered by a series of retaining walls quarried on site
image © albert večerka/esto

internally, there are three levels with a garden room and exterior entry courtyard based on the lowest floor. an exterior stepped ramp effectively becomes the house’s main entry level, which includes a foyer, library, and guest bedroom. furthermore, a double-height stair in the atrium connects the main level to the upper garden level—a loft-like glass pavilion with panoramic vistas of tuxedo lake.

the arc-like floor plan gently rises with the length of the same installed with glazing
image © jeff goldberg/esto

the terraced gardens create open-air ‘rooms’ defined by the arc of the house and the granite outcropping. the material palette is intended to weather over time – exemplified by the custom bronze screens that filter light and maximize privacy and the granite walls, sourced from the quarry nearby. the overlapping of programs from exterior to interior to courtyard blurs the boundaries between them.

three enclosed living levels and a sequence of outdoor terraces are organized in an ascending route
image © jeff goldberg/esto