Renowned architectural firm Steven Holl Architects has completed the Hudson L-House, a striking 1,700-square-foot residential project that exemplifies sustainable modern design in Hudson, New York. The innovative structure, characterized by its simple L-shaped configuration in custom corrugated aluminum, creates a distinctive south-facing green courtyard while seamlessly integrating into the historic urban fabric of the Hudson Valley community.
Designed specifically for acclaimed modern furniture gallerists Mark McDonald and Dwayne Resnick, the residence serves a dual purpose as both a sophisticated live-work space and a showcase for their extensive midcentury furniture collection. The 165-square-meter home, completed in 2024, was strategically positioned on a previously vacant lot to complete and enhance the existing neighborhood streetscape.
The architectural team, led by Design Architect and Principal Steven Holl, included Partner in Charge Dimitra Tsachrelia and Project Architect Yining He. The project team consisted of Sarah Hopper, Emmet Sutton, Michael Haddy, Nour Chahboun, and Maxwell Funk, who collaborated to bring this innovative residential design to fruition.
Sustainability stands as a cornerstone of the Hudson L-House design, with the structure incorporating cutting-edge environmental technologies. The home features a 500-foot deep geothermal well that provides highly efficient heating and cooling systems, enabling the building to exceed energy code requirements by an impressive 13.7 percent. High-performance insulated glass windows with Low E-3 coating and double-pane insulated glass units provide superior thermal efficiency throughout the structure.
The construction team included TYLin & Silman Structural Solutions with Justin Den Herder serving as structural advisor, while Peak Construction's Brian Pisanelli and Herman Gratz handled the building process. Natural Energy Solutions provided both the renewable energy systems and the innovative geothermal heating and cooling infrastructure, as well as the radiant heat systems that ensure optimal comfort throughout the residence.
The L-shaped configuration of the house creates a unique spatial relationship with its surroundings, forming an intimate south-facing courtyard that maximizes natural light while providing privacy from neighboring properties. The custom corrugated aluminum exterior not only provides a contemporary aesthetic but also offers durability and low maintenance requirements suitable for the Hudson Valley's varied climate conditions.
This project represents Steven Holl Architects' continued commitment to creating residential architecture that balances innovative design with environmental responsibility. The Hudson L-House demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully integrate into historic neighborhoods while pushing the boundaries of sustainable residential construction and serving the specific needs of art collectors and design professionals.
