The frame of this home may be out of a 19th-century barn, but it’s filled with a very modern-day interior. New York architect Kimberly Peck designed this home of contrasts as a weekend getaway for a New York City couple. It is located in the Catskills, therefore the harsh and cold climate of the surrounding mountains had a deep effect on the home’s design.
Working with a timber frame from a 19th-century barn which was restored and raised on the site, Peck wrapped the frame in structural insulation panels (SIPs) to create an energy-efficient home. A poured concrete foundation, glowing heating and cooling windows all keep this modern window cozy at the cold Catskills winters.
in a Glance
Who lives here: A New York City couple, during weekend getaways
Location: Bovina, New York
Size: 1,945 square feet; a single bedroom; 2 baths
kimberly peck architect
The homeowner and Peck already understood how to work together — as a former interior designer, the customer was one of Peck’s initial directors when Peck graduated from college. Both stayed friends and kept in touch. Although the customer ended up shifting career paths and becoming a nutritionist, she still has an amazing style she wanted to exercise in this new house.
Table: Restoration Hardware; pendants: Economy Modern
kimberly peck architect
The open dining area joins the kitchen and living rooms, and French doors open onto a deck with a transparent perspective of the Catskills. The 3 sets of doors offer a panoramic view from the dining room, but well-insulated fiberglass doors maintain the house cozy and protected from the hills’ harsh winds.
kimberly peck architect
Reclaimed barn posts, beams and framing from Heritage Barns warm up the main floor. Most of the wood came out of an old hops barn in upstate New York.
Faux deer mind: Tay Home
kimberly peck architect
Though Peck took control of the layout when it came to technical structure and detailing, the customer did a lot of work on the inside. “This project was truly an alliance,” Peck says. She provided an original design plan and suggestions, but the final midcentury-style bits were chosen by the customer.
Chairs: Circa Modern; rocking chair: vintage; side tables: Glen H Fellows; couches: Restoration Hardware; wall lights: Bruno Pharmacy Plug In Light
kimberly peck architect
The customer is a nutritionist, therefore using a good space to cook was important for her. A double-sided island with stainless steel cabinetry on both sides provides the storage and prep room she desired. Glossy white Ikea cabinetry creates extra storage, while white subway tiles stay in line with the easy country feel.
Countertop, cabinetry, sink, range, fridge: Ikea; backsplash: Heath Ceramics
kimberly peck architect
Though simple, the floor on the first level is a source of pride for Peck. The poured concrete foundation of the home was polished to become the finished floor. A hydronic radiant heat system is located under.
Beanbag chairs: Restoration Hardware; wood stove: Mountain Flame
kimberly peck architect
The customer’s husband did quite a lot of work on the home, including a lot of the finish work, like building this bathroom vanity from bamboo. The bathroom wall tiles are porcelain cut from Stonesource, and the floors have been easy polished concrete.
Makeup mirror: Jerdon; large mirror: Restoration Hardware; faucet: eBay
kimberly peck architect
Throughout construction, Peck made sure that the joints between the exterior’s SIPs and around the door and window openings were as sterile as possible. The home also uses an air exchanger, which brings fresh air into the house without losing heat and circulates warm air from upstairs into the floor.
Bedframe: Crate & Barrel; lamps: Artemide, Tizio; desk: Old Soul Antiques
kimberly peck architect
The structure’s exterior siding is made from a simple black corrugated steel which wraps round the SIPs. The SIPs themselves wrap round the first barn frame to create an extremely well-insulated house. The roof is standing seam galvanized steel, while the easy deck is made from pressure-treated Southern yellow pine.
kimberly peck architect
Paths of slate boulders and stone located on the property lead up to the home.
Photography by Torkil Stavdal
Do you have a serene weekend retreat? Share it with us!