A striking prefabricated home in Dutchess County, New York, showcases how modern construction techniques can harmoniously blend with traditional craftsmanship. The CLT House, designed by nARCHITECTS, features distinctive live-edge wood siding that wraps around its geometric form, creating a fresh take on rustic design aesthetics that recalls the popular dining table trends of the 2010s.

Situated in a forest clearing in upstate New York, the 2,150-square-foot residence was constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, which were installed in just 11 days. The project was completed through collaboration between UCE Fine Builders, structural engineer Silman, civil engineer T.M. DePuy Engineering & Land Surveying, and metal fabricator 4th State Metals. Photography was captured by Michael Moran.

According to the architects, the project aimed for a minimal environmental impact on its natural setting while maximizing sustainability features. Geothermal wells work in conjunction with a radiant floor heating system to provide year-round climate control, while solar panels generate more electricity than the home consumes. This comprehensive approach to renewable energy makes the residence nearly self-sufficient.

The design philosophy balances cutting-edge construction technology with historical building traditions. CLT, a renewable material gaining popularity in the United States, provides an ecological building system that creates warm, natural interior spaces. The architects contrasted this modern innovation, expressed monolithically throughout the interior, with one of the oldest exterior wood cladding techniques used by early American settlers.

The distinctive live-edge siding that envelops the house's faceted volume will develop unique weathering patterns over time, with variations depending on each surface's orientation and the amount of tree canopy coverage it receives. Custom metal fabrications add strategic color accents throughout the home, including the staircase, surface-mounted lighting fixtures, shelving systems, and kitchen island.

The interior layout maximizes both functionality and natural light. On the first floor, living, dining, and kitchen areas flow together as one continuous space organized around a central core that houses a bathroom and mechanical room. The second floor follows a plus-sign configuration in plan, containing a study, three bedrooms, and an additional bathroom.

Architectural drama comes from the resulting double-height spaces that mark each of the four corners of the home. A wood-burning stove anchors one corner, creating a cozy focal point for gatherings. Skylights punctuate three of the corners, each lined with interior mirror panels that inject both direct and reflected daylight into the spaces. This lighting design creates dynamic patterns throughout the day, resembling clock hands rotating around the central core as the sun moves across the sky.

The project represents a successful marriage of sustainable construction methods and timeless design principles. By combining rapid prefab assembly with traditional materials and contemporary amenities, the CLT House demonstrates how modern homes can achieve both environmental responsibility and aesthetic appeal while respecting their natural surroundings.