Hillcrest House Offers a Solar-Powered Escape in West Catskills

  October 14, 2024
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Edifice Upstate is redefining sustainable living in the Western Catskills with its latest architectural venture, Hillcrest House. Specializing in the design and development of eco-conscious, solar-powered homes, Edifice Upstate merges modern design with cutting-edge green technology, offering residents a unique opportunity to live in harmony with nature. The company, led by Marc Thorpe, an award-winning architect, and Claire Pijoulat, co-founder of WantedDesign, aims to provide affordable, self-sufficient housing solutions for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort or style.

The heart of Edifice Upstate’s vision is the belief in self-reliance and a lifestyle integrated with the environment. This ethos is embodied in Hillcrest House, a solar-powered home perched on a secluded hilltop, surrounded by forest while still being conveniently close to the upstate hamlet of North Branch. Designed with simplicity and balance in mind, the home, which is just two hours northwest of New York City, offers a tranquil escape, with modern conveniences and sustainable features seamlessly woven into its architecture.

A wooden cabin with large windows is lit warmly from inside. It is set in a wooded area, with trees visible in the background.

A modern wooden building with narrow windows, surrounded by trees and grass, under an overcast sky.

Wooden house exterior with two vertical windows illuminated from inside. Warm light creates a cozy ambiance.

A modern wooden cabin with large windows and a wrap-around deck is surrounded by a forest. Outdoor lights illuminate the scene during twilight.

Hillcrest House is powered by an impressive solar array, boasting sixteen panels that ensure the house operates independently of the grid. With a battery storage system that can sustain the home for up to five days, residents can rely entirely on solar energy without needing backup generators. This commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at power generation – the home’s design incorporates efficient use of space, with features like polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and open-plan living areas that create a feeling of spaciousness within a modest footprint.

A modern cabin with wooden exterior features multiple large windows revealing a warmly lit interior. A stack of firewood is by the entrance on a wooden deck.

A single-story modern wooden house with large windows is set in a forested area. The interior is warmly lit, creating a cozy ambiance.

A cozy wooden cabin with glowing lights sits in a forest surrounded by trees and soft foliage.

A modern dining room with a wooden table, five cushioned chairs, and large glass sliding doors overlooking a lush green outdoor area.

A gray upholstered chair next to a wooden table with a vase of yellow flowers, set against a backdrop of large windows and greenery outside.

A vase with yellow flowers is centered on a light wooden dining table. In the background, there is a modern kitchen with a refrigerator and muted green cabinets.

The property, which spans five acres, offers more than just a place to live – it provides a gateway to the surrounding natural beauty of the Catskills. From the expansive sundeck, residents can soak in the sweeping views of the forested landscape, or venture further into the wild to discover apple trees and a tranquil creek nearby. The home’s location serves as a perfect launchpad for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and biking, while remaining close to local dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Modern living room with large windows, a gray sectional sofa, round coffee table, and a wood-burning stove. Two armchairs and a dining table with chairs in the background. Natural light fills the space.

The open interior is centered around a wood stove, which heats the entire home. Framed views of the lush trees can be seen whether sitting on the sofa in front of the fire or around the dining table during a meal. Just outside the series of sliding glass doors, a wraparound wooden deck extends the usable square footage during warmer months.

Modern living room with a wood stove, gray sectional sofa, round coffee table, yellow chair, and a wooden open-shelf bookcase. Large windows overlook a wooded area.

Polished concrete floors unify the interior, while select wood clad walls warm the mostly white space. A short hallway leads to three bedrooms, a full bathroom with walk-in shower, a powder room, and a pantry/storage space. A separate utility room holds the home’s utilities needed to keep it running, like the solar battery bank, water heater, electric panel, and pressure tank.

A modern living room with a wood-burning stove, a gray sofa, a yellow chair, a round table with a plant, and a standing lamp. Logs are stored under the stove.

A mustard yellow swivel chair next to a tall modern floor lamp with a brass arc and conical shade.

A black front door with a small window pane is set in a wooden paneled wall. A geometric shelf with books and a bowl is on the left.

A cozy chair next to a wooden desk with a lamp, artwork, and a small plant in a well-lit room.

Wooden console with lamp, abstract art, vase, and small white bowl against a plain wall.

Minimalist bathroom with a white sink, black fixtures, round mirror, and a window. Sunlight illuminates a small flower vase on the counter.

Minimalist bathroom with a round mirror, black faucet, soap dispenser, and showerhead. A small vase with flowers is placed on the white sink.

White tiled shower with a black handheld showerhead and a niche holding a single black bottle.

A cabin with lights on is nestled in a densely forested area with rolling hills in the background.

To see more projects by Marc Thorpe and Edifice Upstate, visit marcthorpedesign.com and edificeupstate.com.

Photography by Steph Mossey.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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