estudio esmero clads y-shaped home in new york with cedar siding

y house by estudio esmero is clad in shou sugi ban cedar

Estudio Esmero’s Y House sits on a sloping site that opens out onto a vast meadow offering sweeping views of the Hudson Valley in Millerton, New York. The cedar clad residence’s Y-shaped design plays on the traditional ‘house’ profile, to create three separate wings that curve into one another and form a central gathering space at the core. While the perimeter of the wings offer privacy for their distinct functions, the transparent communal centre, marked by vast windows and openings, encourages residents to get together in the abundantly open, light-filled space and enjoy the meadow and valley views.

all images courtesy of Estudio Esmero

three private wings converge at the light-filled core

Estudio Esmero’s Y-shaped home is composed of three separate wings – one for the family, one for guests, and one for a creative studio – that curve inwards and form a central gathering space at the intersection. The architects ensure the edges of the wings provide calm and privacy for the residents, while the open, central living space embraces the encompassing natural landscape and encourages them to get together. Outside, the wings create three curated exterior spaces and amplify the views of the Hudson Valley, the nearby creek, and the surrounding meadow. Moving further away from the center, the scale of the windows and number of openings decrease, reinforcing the interiority and quiet nature of the home.

The entrance sits at the center of the home at a point where the walls curve away from each other to create a covered patio. Similar to a traditional dogtrot house, Estudio Esmero designs the entrance as a transparent semi-external space that embraces continuous views across the landscape. It also provides a rhythmic entrance sequence that gradually progresses from being fully outside to being invited into the heart of the home as you round the corner.

the open, living core embraces the encompassing natural landscape

the residence embraces views of new york’s hudson valley

Inside the Y House, Estudio Esmero incorporates a large suite for the family, two guest bedrooms, a large work studio that doubles as a performance space, and a continuous communal space that includes an expansive living room with an open kitchen and dining area. The central living space is protected behind the curving wall of the entrance but opens up to offer expansive views of the Hudson Valley. Behind the kitchen lie the guest bedrooms and on the opposite side, a hallway leads to the main suite. Across the main entrance, above a two-door garage on the basement level sits the work studio and performance space.

The building is constructed of prefabricated structural insulated panels (SIPs) that are clad in shou sugi ban cedar siding. The roof is made with traditional standing seam metal and the home uses radiant heated concrete floors to provide efficient and unobtrusive climate control throughout all of the living spaces.

the Y-shaped home is composed of three separate wings that converge at the center

like a dogtrot house, the transparent semi-external space provides a rhythmic entrance sequence

the central living space is protected behind the curving wall of the entrance

Y House is constructed of prefabricated structural insulated panels and clad in cedar

radiant heated concrete floors provide unobtrusive climate control throughout the home

Y House sits on a sloping site of a meadow offering sweeping views of the Hudson Valley in Millerton, New York

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project info:

name: Y House
designer: Estudio Esmero

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom