Nestled within the wooded slopes of New York's western Catskills, Marc Thorpe Design has unveiled the Forest Edge House, a completely self-sufficient residence that operates entirely on solar power. The impressive 140-square-meter, two-story home represents the fifth solar-powered residence constructed by Edifice Upstate, the innovative design and build agency co-founded by architect Marc Thorpe and Claire Pijoulat. Set on a sprawling 1.2-hectare parcel of forested land, this groundbreaking project serves as a compelling model for sustainable living that seamlessly integrates renewable energy systems, locally sourced materials, and architectural design that thoughtfully responds to its natural woodland environment.
The home's distinctive design features a rectangular wooden form clad in FSC-certified natural pine, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding forest landscape. The structure's most striking architectural element is a dramatic 7.6-meter cantilevered steel deck that boldly extends into the forest canopy, creating a unique connection between the interior living spaces and the natural environment. This impressive cantilever not only serves as a functional outdoor space but also demonstrates the innovative structural engineering that allows the home to integrate so seamlessly with its forested setting.
At the heart of the Forest Edge House lies its comprehensive solar energy system, which ensures complete energy independence for its residents. The home is powered by an array of 24 monocrystalline solar panels that work in conjunction with a 15K Sol-Ark inverter and an advanced lithium-ion LifePo battery bank system. This sophisticated renewable energy setup is capable of generating an impressive 38 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily, providing more than enough power to sustain the entire residence completely off-grid throughout the year. Through this innovative energy system, Thorpe has created a home that operates with complete autonomy, eliminating any reliance on external power sources and perfectly embodying Edifice Upstate's broader mission of designing architecture that exists in harmony with natural ecological systems.
The interior design of the Forest Edge House features an open-plan layout that seamlessly connects the living, kitchen, and dining areas, creating a sense of spaciousness and flow throughout the main level. To ensure year-round comfort, the home incorporates a radiant floor heating system that maintains consistent, even temperatures throughout all seasons. The interior spaces are elegantly furnished with pieces from the renowned French design house Ligne Roset, creating a sophisticated blend of contemporary comfort and style that complements the serene natural setting visible through the home's expansive windows.
Thorpe describes the Forest Edge House as representing "an architecture of responsibility and respect for our environment and ourselves," emphasizing the project's deeper philosophical approach to sustainable design. The home's formal simplicity and thoughtful use of natural materials draw clear inspiration from the Catskills region's traditional rural building practices and vernacular architecture. However, its cutting-edge technological systems and renewable energy infrastructure position it firmly within a contemporary vision of how modern living can achieve true balance with the natural world.
Edifice Upstate, the company founded by Thorpe and Pijoulat, operates on a collaborative model that involves partnering with local builders and sustainable technology companies to create comprehensive turnkey solar-powered homes. This approach ensures that each project brings together thoughtful, environmentally conscious architecture with reliable renewable energy systems, allowing residents to achieve complete independence from traditional utility systems without compromising on design quality or modern amenities. As Thorpe eloquently explains the project's underlying philosophy, "Forest Edge is an opportunity to take back our autonomy," highlighting how sustainable architecture can empower homeowners to live more independently while reducing their environmental impact.
