ALPINE

Set on a large softly sloping lot overlooking a wooded grove in the town of Alpine New Jersey, this project is located across the Hudson river about 45 minutes from New York City. Our goal for this project was to create a home inspired by the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle, but adapted to the more temperate seasons of the U.S. Northeast. The house is reached by way of a long curving driveway which offers glimpses through the trees, leading to a formal entry court, before continuing down to the basement level garage from where the Owners can directly enter the house during inclement weather. The basement level, partially cut into the hillside, also acts as a plinth for the main and upper levels of the home. Views from these levels are uninterrupted, overlooking the surrounding gardens and countryside.

From the entry court, a bridge over a lower light well leads to a grand entry door. The two-story entry foyer is focused on an ornamental tree sitting within a water feature, centered on the view beyond. The lightwell is flanked by the dining room on one side and a three-level spiral staircase on the opposite side. To the left of the entry is the family room and kitchen, as well as and a secondary stair connecting the basement all the way up to the roof deck. An adjacent elevator gives direct practical access to the garage below and primary bedroom above. To the right of the entry foyer are the more formal rooms of the house including the living room and office, with guest bedrooms above. The basement contains the garage, services spaces, a guest area and home’s gym and wellness areas, which have direct access via to natural light via the entry lightwell. A large den and attached media room open directly to the garden and tennis court from the main stair.

All of the spaces on the main level open to the rear terrace where the infinity pool and water features cascade to the garden below, connected to the terrace by means of a wide staircase. The water acts as a mirror to reflect the passing seasons. The house also incorporates a roof deck where views of the Manhattan skyline are particularly vivid in the winter months. Although the home makes extensive use of glazing, more fixed panels were used than in a typical California home due to the local climate. The glass is well insulated but allows for a direct connection to the surrounding landscape and nature and to observe the passing of the seasons.