This project is inspired by a building type that has left an indelible mark on the landscape and collective consciousness of many regions of the United States: the traditional barn. Reinterpreted here in a contemporary vein, the house combines meticulous attention to materials, surfaces and textures with a spatial and functional layout that responds to every aspect of daily life, while giving equal importance to the outdoor spaces.
Immersed in the lush landscape of Old Westbury, one of New York State’s most exclusive areas, Hidden Pond House was conceived by the architects Mojo Stumer Associates as a modern interpretation of the classic barn structure, a rural reference that reflects both the character of its setting and the essence of contemporary living.
Two pitched roofs rise above the distinctive central volume, creating a dynamic silhouette against the deep green backdrop of the surrounding park. The largely transparent front façades are marked by a regular grid of window frames that flood the interiors with light and blur the line between inside and out. The result is an architecture that invites exploration while extending the living spaces into the landscape.
Along with its hybrid architecture, Hidden Pond House also stands out for its ability to integrate seamlessly into the landscape. Every element and material was chosen to harmonise with its context, balancing modernity and tradition. The opaque portions of the exterior are clad in rough dark-grey wood slats, set against concrete facings and exposed steel beams. The result is an understated yet refined composition, at once rooted in local traditions and expressive of contemporary design.
The unifying thread running through Hidden Pond House in terms of both form and material is the Matrice large-format porcelain stoneware collection from Florim’s CEDIT brand, chosen here in the Sostanza shade for use both inside and out. On the front and rear elevations, the ceramic surfaces create a striking rhythmic contrast against the dark wood slats. Inside, they appear on the dramatic double-height entry wall, on accent walls in the halls and stairways and above the fireplace, where their ability to reflect light and enhance spatial depth powerfully draws the eye upward. The Matrice collection continues in the bedrooms and alongside the owners’ art collection, creating a sense of continuity throughout the entire home. Thanks to the large 120×240 cm size used here, the ceramic surfaces also reinforce the dialogue between the interiors and the carefully landscaped outdoor spaces.
