Water Bridge House, Cold Spring, NY

Concept Design Phase

The Water Bridge House is located on a 50 acre site opposite a 5 acre pond that was originally a reservoir for the Town of Fishkill, created by a dam built in the 1940s. Sixty miles north of New York City, the site is surrounded by the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, where the Hudson River and the New York City skyline is visible from the highest point. The main house and carriage house are connected by an elevated 7′ x 55′ swimming pool aligned with the geometry of the dam. The house is located in the valley area of the site, known as Hell Hollow, which produces magical and unexpected interactions with the sun and wind throughout the day, punctuated by a forest of 150′ tall Tulip Trees. Solar and wind rose studies determine the orientation of program and the potential for cultivating natural energy for heating and cooling. The motion of water, as it flows through the site at different speeds throughout the year, is a guiding design principal.

Concept sketch and study model

Solar Studies 9am, noon, 3pm throughout the year

Wind Rose Study, Winter Solstice, December 31, 2020