SHAWANGUNK PASSIVE
SHAWANGUNK PASSIVE Gardiner, NY
River Architects designed this contemporary vacation home in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains as a true escape from the clients’ historic primary residence. Conceived as a peaceful modern refuge, the home emphasizes openness, light, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while meeting the rigorous standards of Passive house design.
The result is an airy, light-filled residence with soaring ceilings, a double-height great room, and seamless indoor–outdoor flow. Though the overall form and plan are fairly compact (an intentional strategy to support energy performance), the design gains richness and spatial complexity through features such as dramatic corner windows, an attached screened porch, and interconnected gathering spaces for family and friends. Natural wood finishes, black accents, and vertical exterior slats frame tall clerestory windows, bringing warmth and texture to the clean, modern aesthetic.
At the heart of the main living area, a wood-burning fireplace provides a cozy, grounding presence. The open-plan living and dining spaces flow effortlessly into a functional yet elegant kitchen designed for both solo cooking and social connection. A large island offers generous prep space, seating, and integrated storage.
The first floor also includes a private office or den, a discreetly located full bath, and a spacious mudroom connecting to a two-car garage equipped with electric vehicle chargers and ample storage for outdoor gear. The spa zone is a standout feature: an indoor endless pool wrapped in windows and a sunken outdoor hot tub blur the boundary between interior comfort and the surrounding natural beauty. Durable, natural tile extends through both areas, reinforcing a calm, unified experience.
Upstairs, three en-suite bedrooms and a lofted lounge overlook the living area below, creating quiet spaces to relax, read, and unwind.
Nearing completion as of December 2025, the home is an all-new Passive project designed to meet Phius certification standards, demonstrating how compact planning, thoughtful complexity, and refined detailing can work together to achieve exceptional energy performance without compromising comfort or architectural expression.