studio MM architect clads 'bully hill house' in corten steel + black-stained pine in NY

perched at the top of a rolling farmland in north branch, NY, ‘bully hill house’ by studio MM architect is a single-story residence clad in a distinctive façade of black-stained pine and corten steel. the home peeks out from behind the hills, seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings while maintaining enough privacy. the horizontal massing of the one-story building keeps the scale modest and ensures every room benefits from expansive views.all images by brad feinknopf

studio MM architect developed ‘bully hill house’ for a couple seeking to downsize and focus on creative activities. approached via a meandering driveway that passes through a wooded section of the property, the house retains privacy while maximizing expansive views of the landscape. its design takes into account the modest rural surroundings and forest background, forgoing flashiness and scale for a clarified, simple floor plan that focuses on the couple’s needs.

the home’s distinctive façade marries black-stained pine siding with corten steel panels, carefully aligned with existing horizontal datums. by lining up the panels with the home’s perimeter and horizontal window edges, a clean and intentional aesthetic is achieved, while mindfully avoiding the added cost of cutting metal. through exposure to the elements, the corten will naturally oxidize, developing an organic rusted patina as it weathers over time.

behind the façade, the thoughtfully-proportioned residence features an open plan central living space, a bedroom and an artist’s studio. the studio, a flexible creative space, was prioritized to give the clients a dedicated area to focus on personal hobbies and interests. a love of cooking makes the kitchen a natural hub of the home – a place to gather with their tight-knit italian family, make homemade bread and pasta on the marble island, or host neighbors and farmers for casual gatherings.

studio MM architect incorporated passive techniques to make the compact house as efficient as possible. employing sun studies, the optimal overhang size was determined, striking a careful balance between shading the home in summer while still allowing sun to flood the space in winter. the home’s hilltop perch affords a consistent breeze, facilitating crucial cross ventilation in the absence of air conditioning. air can flow freely from the large sliding doors on the south side through the operable windows on the north side, moderated by the degree the doors are kept open.