Designer Nancy Mah has created a remarkable modern retreat nestled on 10.5 acres of rugged upstate New York terrain, drawing inspiration from an unlikely source: a transformative dining experience at Copenhagen's world-renowned Noma restaurant. The woodland home showcases a cluster of interconnected gabled structures that seamlessly blend with the natural landscape, echoing the famous Danish restaurant's architectural philosophy and its profound connection to its natural surroundings.
The project represents a deeply personal vision for Mah, who was also influenced by her architect father's experimental 1976 Memphis home. The residence features a thoughtful arrangement of interconnected structures that appear to grip the ridge of the landscape, creating a harmonious dialogue between built and natural environments. The design centers around a main volume housing the common living areas, which is flanked by a dedicated guest wing and a primary suite that guests access through a working greenhouse.
One of the most striking aspects of the home is its extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows that frame dramatic vistas of the surrounding woodland. These expansive glazed surfaces create an almost seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, allowing inhabitants to feel constantly connected to the changing seasons and natural rhythms of the forest. The strategic placement of these windows ensures that every room captures specific views while maintaining privacy and comfort.
The material palette reflects Mah's commitment to creating harmony with the natural surroundings. White oak provides warmth and texture throughout the interior spaces, while poured concrete offers structural honesty and modern sophistication. Dark gray cedar cladding on the exterior helps the structures recede into the woodland setting, particularly during different lighting conditions throughout the day. These natural materials age gracefully and require minimal maintenance while developing rich patinas over time.
The home's layout demonstrates innovative thinking about how contemporary families live and work. The working greenhouse serves as both a functional space for year-round growing and a transitional element that connects different wings of the house. This unique feature allows residents to engage with food production and gardening while maintaining the home's sophisticated aesthetic. The greenhouse also provides a naturally humidified environment that benefits both plants and human occupants.
Photographer Read McKendree captured the essence of this remarkable project, documenting how the architecture responds to its challenging site conditions. The images reveal how the home's various volumes step down the slope, following the natural topography rather than fighting against it. Additional photography by Ryan Fischer provides complementary perspectives on the interior spaces and their relationship to the landscape.
The project exemplifies a growing trend among designers and architects who seek to create homes that offer genuine sanctuary from urban life while maintaining sophisticated design standards. Mah's success lies in her ability to create spaces that feel both refined and rustic, modern and timeless. The result is a home that truly seems to disappear into its landscape setting, offering its inhabitants what Mah describes as "a profound connection to nature."
This upstate New York retreat stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design that respects and enhances its natural context. By drawing inspiration from diverse sources – from family history to world-class dining experiences – Mah has created a home that transcends typical categories and offers a new model for contemporary woodland living. The project demonstrates how architecture can serve as a bridge between human needs and environmental stewardship, creating spaces that nurture both the inhabitants and the landscape they call home.
