CHINA POND PH
CHINA POND PH Carmel, NY
River Architects was engaged to reimagine a beloved family retreat in a private lake community. The existing lakefront summer home had been expanded incrementally over generations, and while it offered charm and expansive views, it suffered from low ceilings, energy inefficiency, and a series of incongruent additions. After careful evaluation, the project team determined that new construction would best serve the clients’ needs while allowing the evolving spirit of the original house to be thoughtfully reinterpreted.
The new design embraces this sense of gradual growth, blending Adirondack-inspired character with the rigor of high-performance Passive House principles. Set within a wooded landscape and oriented toward the lake, the home carefully balances openness and enclosure while meeting demanding energy goals. In November 2025, the project achieved Phius certification, confirming that the home meets rigorous standards for energy performance, airtightness, and year-round comfort. The site’s predominant east-facing exposure introduced challenges related to shading and photovoltaic performance, requiring careful detailing and system coordination to optimize source energy use.
The final structure recalls regional cabin traditions through clean modern forms and warm, natural finishes, including reclaimed cypress siding that reinforces both sustainability and a sense of continuity with the site’s history. A separate two-car garage enhances the feeling of a small retreat compound, with flexible living space above that supports guests, work-from-home needs, or extended family use.
Inside the main house, a three-bedroom layout was intentionally selected to avoid septic expansion while still providing generous, comfortable spaces. The primary suite includes a spacious bedroom, a spa-like bath finished in tadelakt plaster, and a lake-facing office with custom millwork and expansive glazing. Dedicated workspaces were a key client priority and were incorporated into both the main house and the garage loft.
The home is organized around views of the lake, visible from the open-plan kitchen and living spaces, the upper deck, and the lower-level covered patio. A central stone chimney anchors the composition and supports multiple hearths, including an interior wood stove and two exterior fireplaces arranged back-to-back, a technically complex detail that unifies indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
The lower level introduces a more playful, informal atmosphere with warm wood and concrete finishes, a sauna, wet bar, and recreation space. A bold felt-wrapped wall provides sculptural storage, while centrally located utility spaces enhance efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Together, the project balances memory and performance, honoring the layered history of the original summer home while delivering a resilient, energy-efficient retreat designed for year-round comfort and long-term family use.
Project photos coming soon.