When designing a building in the middle of nature, often it’s best to step back and underscore the beauty of its surroundings.
That was the plan for architect Kyle Page, founder of Brooklyn-based architecture firm Sundial Studios, when drawing up a family weekend cabin in the woods of Sullivan County, New York. Page took advantage of the opportunity to develop a relaxing, woody solace that involves nature while featuring elegant modern design.
Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea
Throughout the building process, Page relied on his local Pella Windows and Doors dealer to find doors and windows that maintained the right balance between nature and design. The staff at Pella worked with Page to develop
custom grilles for the Architect Series
® Reserve windows placed in the cabin, as well as choosing
French doors and
windows from the Architect Series Contemporary line.
The result: A picturesque retreat that has drawn notice, including a feature in The New York Times real estate section.
Page shared his thoughts about the process of building his unique home.
Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea
On the natural appeal of the building site:
“The building location is a beautiful and wild 19 acres and is roughly two hours away from our Brooklyn home. The land is removed and wooded, with a pond, wetlands, old-stone pasture walls and exposed ledgestone marching down from the north and west sides. We added an owl box in a tree about a tenth of a mile away from the house, but currently, no owl has moved in. A blue heron often visits, and once in a while a bald eagle will fish the pond. The deer behave as if they own the place.”
Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea
On integrating natural elements into the cabin’s design:
“The patinaed exterior material palette of rusted, weathering steel; blackened, rough-cut cedar; and the exposed concrete foundation plinth, which extends down toward the pond, were selected to absorb the building into its wooded area. Additionally, the windows were sized and detailed to add to the connection between the house and the pond. The windows grow longer as they move toward the pond, and the south gable wall is nearly fully glazed, and includes the custom grilles, which play off the geometries of the gable form.”
Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea
On selecting Pella products:
“I have worked with Pella previously, and have always had pleasant experiences with both the quality of the product and the Pella staff. The aluminum-clad wood windows have remarkable durability. With this project, I selected the Architect Series because it brings a minimal style that fit very well with the look of the cabin. The thin profile and larger areas of glass look terrific!”
Photo attributed to Kyle Page
On designing with the Pella pros to build custom window grilles:
“It was a very trouble-free process working with the team at Pella to have the grilles the way I envisioned. I provided drawings of the layouts, and was presented with shop drawings for review and approval, prior to their building. It added some additional lead time to the windows—about six weeks. But the final result was worth it. The professionalism of the team left me sure that it would be just as I envisioned.”
Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea
Pella windows and doors played a featured role in this noteworthy architectural creation. While your home improvement project might not get featured in The New York Times, you can rely on Pella to provide you home replacement windows and doors that will impress—thanks to their beautiful design. And you’ll know that the durability and quality of your Pella products means they’ll be part of your home for years to come.
Get started toward a new home design project by getting in touch with a Pella professional today!