STEPS HOUSE
STEPS HOUSE Clinton, NY
Sustainability was a top priority for the clients, who purchased property in a conservation area with a ridgeline protection overlay. When they approached River Architects, they requested a home that not only embraced the sweeping views from the site but also blended harmoniously into the wooded landscape.
We identified opportunities to harness the site's solar potential and collaborated with experienced builders and engineers to achieve Passive building certification.
Inside, the clients envisioned modern, clean lines, an open floor plan, and gracious spaces to accommodate extended family gatherings. River Architects responded by extending the main structure over the land, culminating in a dramatic cantilever that captures panoramic views while creating a covered outdoor deck below—perfect for entertaining.
The upper floor includes the primary suite and a generous open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. The ceiling slopes upward toward the windows, peaking at nearly fourteen feet and creating a sense of expansiveness. A fireplace anchors the vast wall of glazing overlooking the valley, offering a warm interior focal point.
On the lower level, we placed the mechanical room, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a family room that opens to the covered deck. A wet bar in the family room enhances the space’s hospitality function. Above the central open stairwell, a large skylight washes natural light down the structural wall, drawing the eye through the vertical space and providing additional illumination through the lower level.
Exterior finishes merge refined design with cutting-edge sustainability. The upper floor is clad in dramatic corrugated metal, a globally used traditional material, while the lower level features an innovative, eco-conscious cladding made from rice hulls, offering the warmth and appearance of wood. Completing the entertainment area is a swimming pool seamlessly integrated into the lower deck and patio.
Project photos coming soon.