artist retreat in the woods completed by GLUCK+ in upstate new york

in a wooded clearing in upstate new york, a series of eight connected cubic volumes serves as an artist’s retreat immersed in its green-filled surroundings. designed by GLUCK+, the eight structures have been elevated to follow the topography of the sloping land in upstate new york.

all images © paul warchol / GLUCK+

inside, GLUCK+ responded with the comfortable, neutrally- furnished living quarters by taking advantage of the natural surroundings and light; clerestory and large windows ensure a constant flow of natural light. the cubes have been planned large enough to serve its single purpose with each one linked by glass enclosed hallways.

the spatial quality created is a nod to the utilitarian barn structures that dot the local landscape and in turn, evokes the comfort and feeling of well-being that reflects the tranquility of the place. the slatted weathered hemlock cladding blends harmoniously with the rural context and on approach, the volumes give little away; solid and almost bunker-like with entry flanked by a concrete wall and high clerestory. designed as a remote working studio for a photographer, the single room structures are divided by function—live, work, sleep. a detached pair of cubes hosts a photography studio and darkroom. living, dining and bedrooms comprise another cluster, centered around a shared outdoor space.

the glass hallways link the boxes and transform into open air bridges that wrap around the courtyards. full-height picture windows and ventilation openings align for expansive views and the result is a sense of privacy established between the different programmatic elements in each cube, with a visual layering of space as the land is slowly revealed.

the private rooms link to a shared common space