Inside An Experimental Off-Grid Modern Cabin | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

Today Architectural Digest brings you two hours north of New York City to Rhinebeck, NY for an in-depth look at a home that feels like an inhabitable work of art. Architects Steven Holl and Dimitra Tsachrelia explain the design philosophy and inspiration behind their secluded, off-grid "architectural wonder in the woods," breaking down the intent behind each design choice and how they work together to create a uniquely meditative but stimulating space.


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[Archdigest]

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[darrylmorrison]

I visited there a few years ago and it really was like going inside a violin. Beautiful woodwork. By giving each room its own elevation, they feel distinct but not confined because it's all open. Thank you AD for showcasing it.

[dhuwdhuwdhuw]

I think people who say it is impractical is completely missing the point. This house works as a case study to prove that certain shape with certain materials with certain function can be built, not necessarily practical. Both architect and the contractor learns a lot of new building techniques and limitations of those techniques, thus can be incorporated into a more practical projects in the future.

And to be fair, every person on this planet has different daily habit and priorities, As an example, clients are usually asked what do they usually do most of the time in the house, at what time, and such, thus creating several priorities that are different to the next person. Hypothetically speaking, there could be a family that would request this kind of house. That's why there's misconception of most people towards architects, architects don't just build out of nothing, they are problem solvers, their main goal is to visualize what the clients want according to his/her image.

[DMMA]

My first reaction was "no bedrooms...WHAT??" But then I realized: this is a cabin designed for short term stays, not meant for people to build a life together.

As someone who definitely values privacy I feel that staying somewhere like this temporarily, the purpose is intentional time spent together, with the ability to go out and enjoy nature or find a nook when private decompression time is needed. After watching this video I love this cabin concept, really brilliant.

[bsmartcoaching]

This is what happens when the imagination is allowed to roam free. Breathtakingly beautiful, unique and soulful. There's something special and calming when residing in a circular space. A stunningly beautiful, thoughtful and advanced concept.

[isaac_opeyemi]

This is the kind of formal exploration we were encouraged to engage in while in architecture school. It is still important to continue this kind of exploratory research, especially if the resources to build it to full scale are available.

[adamdunbar]

Really love how they insisted on using organic materials. The house will age well and take on its own character since no surfaces have paints or chemical finishes.

[hoppybunny]

I love Dimitra’s enthusiasm as she talks about the house

[aoif]

this is architecture at it’s finest.
prioritizing nature & the surrounding environment, incorporating poetry, philosophy & art into the design, having the ability to explain in full the meaning of every detail; phenomenal.
this house is a piece of art. every concept behind it is truly magical. i feel very inspired.

[marinedrive]

I stayed in an architect's house which had an experimental design - much like this one - and in terms of day-to-day living, it was quite impractical to live in. Experimental houses are good for generating new concepts which can be incorporated into more conventional housing, just don't let an architect experiment on you when designing your house - not too much, anyway.

[BlufordSF]

The true definition of "overthinking the situation".

[EGoPRiNCExx]

Each designer to its own, the thoughtfulness is felt, exciting compositions here and there BUT open stairs over the cooking space is sooo unhygenic🫣

[RareAirTwo]

Theres something so serene and calm living in the a forest like setting, isolated without the city traffic, noise and chaos. Forget a condo in the city, give me a cabin.

[WhatDawnLikes]

Just listening to the intro and I already feel relaxed.

[Alexandra_Wolf]

I love everything about this. The way it was conceptualized is uniquely special in some way. From such an abstract idea to such a practical living space.

[tonkeasley]

This one is such an exceptional one! I mean it's totally next level, I just can't tell how much I liked this one! So aesthetically designed and what a flawless place to build such a home

[PeterEconomy]

Beautiful home, beautiful production. Great to have the architects there to describe their inspiration/vision.

[damienscullytoo]

This is genuinely one of the most beautiful homes i've ever seen. What a fantastic idea to build from the inside first and to scrap the modern layouts. Stunning.

[cloudcat]

I appreciate the attention to psychology and nature in this design. Open concepts can be difficult for those like myself with misophonia, or for introverts. This design does a good job though of creating different spaces that feel separate within one overall space.

[saraswatisky]

This is fantastic. The Japanese have known the relationship between architecture and psychology for thousands of years by integration of nature, culture and human development. The Japanese design reflects a seemless openness between the outside and inside dichotomy by merging the two into one continuous whole. Architecture has a big influence on human life. As we enter the new age of progressive ecological awareness, the way we build is going to be radically different from the past. We will build in harmony with nature. I have been studying the topic of how architecture can redefine our belief systems and the way we relate to nature and as such have been able to discover the language of architectural design as having a profoundly unique vocabulary that can be applied to human evolutionary potential.