In Harmony With Nature

This 8,000 sq ft private wellness retreat in Armonk, New York, incorporates passive house principles and modern comforts while preserving the original mid-century design language. MELODY BAY discovers more.

- Melody Bay

This private wellness retreat in the woods is the stuff of daydreams with its sprawling mid-century residence on an 11ha plot with a lake view. Nestled in Armonk, New York, the home rises from the foliage like a fairy tale house with its pointed roof and glowing windows; the rest of it is partially hidden by the dense trees. Originally built in the ’60s, it recently underwent a restoration by BarlisWedlick Architects.

When they first took on the project, the team faced the challenge of preserving the timeless appeal of the place while incorporating modern elements of comfort. “The goals were two-fold. We wanted to create a space where the owner could nurture both body and mind while respecting the existing architecture and preserve elements of this midcentury achievement,” says principal designer Alan Barlis.