SHAWANGUNK PASSIVE
SHAWANGUNK PASSIVE Gardiner, NY
River Architects designed this contemporary vacation home in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains as a modern retreat. Conceived as a peaceful refuge, the home emphasizes openness, natural light, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while meeting the rigorous standards of Passive design.
Compact in form to support energy efficiency, the residence feels expansive through soaring ceilings, a double-height great room, dramatic corner windows, and seamless indoor–outdoor connections. An attached screened porch and interconnected gathering spaces open to the forest through glass walls and wood lattice screens that reference the tree canopy overhead while providing shading and a more intimate sense of enclosure. In contrast, private spaces such as the primary suite and guest rooms are wrapped in dark wood with more modest openings, creating a quieter, more sheltering atmosphere.
Warm wood finishes, black accents, and vertical exterior slats frame tall clerestory windows, adding texture and warmth to the clean architectural language. At the center of the home, a wood burning fireplace anchors the open living, dining, and kitchen areas. A large kitchen island provides generous prep space, seating, and integrated storage. The first floor includes a private office or den, full bath, mudroom, and access to a two-car garage with EV chargers and storage for outdoor gear. A standout feature is the spa zone, where an indoor endless pool and sunken outdoor hot tub blur the boundary between interior comfort and nature. Upstairs, three en-suite bedrooms and a lofted lounge create quiet spaces for rest and retreat.
The project is designed to meet Phius certification standards, demonstrating how compact planning and refined detailing can achieve exceptional performance without compromising comfort or design.