New Paltz Renovation by AlexAllen Studio

Located in New Paltz, NY. This modern house was renovated from a single family residence was built in the 70's that was in need of a new roof with materials that would require little to no maintenance.

Architect: AlexAllen Studio
Location: New Paltz, NY, USA
Year: 2016
Photography: Alan Tansey

Project's description: The single family residence originally designed by John Bloodgood in the 70’s was clad in T-111 siding with no insulation. It was in need of a new roof, better insulation and mechanical systems, new windows and a make-over. The client had requested to clad the upgraded house with materials that would require little to no maintenance. AlexAllen Studio proposed Shou-Sugi Ban wood siding in combination with a more cost effective fiber cement panel. Shou Sugi Ban utilizes an ancient Japanese technique of preserving wood by charring its surface. It is bug and rot resistant weathers well over time, and requires very little maintenance.

Similarly, the fiber cement panels are weather resistant and sustainable and will never require any surface treatment or maintenance. AlexAllen Studio stripped the exterior and windows down to the studs in order to fully insulate, and replaced the windows with triple glazed windows. New siding acts as a rain screen. And elements such as sun screens further protect the house and interior from the elements. The siding also reflects the interior spaces; the charred wood portion represents the main double height living space in the interior. And a reveal running around the house at the second floor level separates the wider cement panels at the base from the narrower cement panels above. The result is an aesthetic and performative upgrade that still maintains the integrity of the floor plan and interior spaces.

> Barn House in New York by Sigurd Larsen
> Small vacation house in New York by Gluck+