Text and images are courtesy Resolution: 4 Architecture for their Mountain Retreat in Kerhokson, New York. Click on images at left for larger views. The Mountain Retreat lies at the southern edge of the Catskill mountains on a remote, forest site two hours north of New York City. The client expressed his desire for a “big boy treehouse.” The home serves as a weekend retreat away from the city that includes two bedrooms, large entertainment areas and outdoor space. Large amounts of glass were utilized to take advantage of mountain views. A seamless indoor/outdoor living space highlights these sightlines. A wood-framed modular construction was used. This includes 2x6 walls, wood open-web joists and steel moment frames. Steel reinforced concrete piers and foundation support the modules. The home is covered in 4” Grade A, clear western red cedar, tongue and groove siding. Other features include: Cembonit, a cement board panel; a fully adhered 60 mil. EPDM roofing system with galvalume flashing; Anderson 400 series windows with insulated, low-E, argon filled glazing; and cedar decking with a stainless steel cable railing system. Modular construction, through the efficiency of factory construction, limits the amount of wasted material. Located only 200 miles from the house site, the modular factory uses materials from local resources. The home’s siting and design take advantage of the microclimate. The clerestory windows, when open, draw in natural breezes and release hot air. Site materials were reused in design. A large rock removed for the foundation was used in landscaping elements. The Anderson windows have superior performance, saving energy and money. The home spent two weeks in the factory. After a one day site set, the house was finished out for four months. The home cost $173 a square foot. Total construction cost was $400,000 including site work, decks, septic and well.   Mountain Retreat in Kerhonkson, New York by Resolution: 4 Architecture 2006.07.31     Click on images below for larger color views.