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St. Lawrence River Retreat: A Unified Approach to Home and Landscape through Client Collaboration

December 5, 2024

This project is a renovation and addition to a two-story house and garage situated on a steeply sloped site along the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY. Designed as a cottage-style retreat for post-retirement living, the home allows the client to age gracefully in place. To address the site’s dramatic drop from the road, the existing garage was removed, and a level pad was created for a new two-car garage.  This garage serves as a functional transition point, seamlessly linking the house to the challenging terrain.

The house itself cascades along the slope, mitigating the height difference and reducing long stair runs. The main floor includes the kitchen, dining, and entertainment spaces, while the upper floor houses the master suite. Central to the design is the River, with unobstructed views serving as the home’s focal point. Large glass sliding doors on the first floor connect the interior to the exterior through a screen porch and a newly added three-season entertaining space. Upstairs, expansive windows in the master suite frame prime views of the water.

The success of this project lies in its integration with the site, maximizing the stunning river views, and fostering a collaborative partnership with both the client and contractor throughout the design and construction process.

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