Taconic Retreat, Millerton, New York

High atop a hill in Dutchess County a section of this 110 acre parcel, a residential compound was scribed into the woods in the form of a rectangular tapis vert, as the organizing element. At the east end of this sloping rectangular green sits a minimalist ‘barn’ of Corten steel and glass, at the west end is a lap pool, children’s splash pool and terrace at the precipice. In between, selective trees were kept to give scale and frame views. The grade change was mitigated using Corten steel tree rings which materially recall the modern barn & the farm implements that once farmed this parcel. The lush lawn of the tapis vert contrasts with the surrounding wildflower meadow in a very deliberate site intervention. Three 22’ diameter tree rings contain Paper Birch and fern and are illuminated via LED lighting in a concealed lip. Adjacent to the tapis vert is an orchard and vegetable garden with custom steel fence. An old shipping container clad in Corten steel houses the owner’s vintage tractor and garden equipment.