Dezeen Magazine

Five New York houses architects have built for themselves

Architects have designed these five houses for themselves in New York State to escape city life, including a Catskills home with concrete-block walls and a retreat on Shelter Island.


Camp O House by Maria Milans Studio

Camp O by Maria Milans Studio

Spanish architect Maria Milans del Bosch who is based in Manhattan designed this two-storey home in the town of Claryville in the Hudson Valley. Built into a hill, it comprises two long volumes with roofs that slant in opposite directions.

Interiors feature exposed concrete walls, large windows and wood beams, while two grey sofas by Hay surround a fireplace.

Find out more about Camp O ›


Mount Tobias house by IDS/R ArchitectureMount Tobias house by IDS/R Architecture

Mount Tobias House by IDS/R Architecture

Partners Todd Rouhe and Maria Ibañez de Sendadiano of architecture studio IDS/R conceived this holiday home for themselves for a wooded site in the Catskills Mountains.

In the kitchen is a black, freestanding Vipp counter that houses a sink, stovetop and refrigerator. It was selected by the couple after struggling to find a concept that did not compromise the minimalism of the space.

Find out more about Mount Tobias House ›


Catskills House in New York State by J_spy Architecture

Catskills House by J_ spy Architecture

Architect Jason Shannon and his wife and designer Paola Yañez of J_spy Architecture built this dwelling for themselves with concrete blocks on a six-acre (2.4-hectare) property in Upstate New York.

The home contains two bedrooms, a galley kitchen and an open-plan living and dining room. A geothermal pump powers radiant concrete floors by heating water from a well on site.

Find out more about Catskills House ›


Eco House

Eco House by Vibeke Lichten

This project, called Eco House, was created by Danish-born architect Vibeke Lichten on Long Island's Shelter Island that is accessible only by ferry.

A single-storey home and a detached guesthouse in an L-shape enclose an outdoor saltwater swimming pool. A rooftop vegetable garden, small vineyard, electric car chargers, rooftop solar panels and dry wells that collect rainwater complete the design.

Find out more about Eco House ›


Shokan house by Jay Bargmann

Shokan House by Jay Bargmann

Jay Bargmann, vice president at Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly's New York studio, designed this glass-enclosed house in the Catskill Mountains for his family.

Overlooking the Hudson River, the residence has pared-down and industrial interiors with tile floors, bare furnishings, a metal staircase, and stainless steel and walnut details.

Find out more about Shokan House ›