PROJECT NAME:
IRONDALE
ARCHITECT:
BIRDSEYE ARCHITECTURE
PHOTOGRAPHER:
MICHAEL BIONDO
Irondale is inspired by the utilitarian buildings of the past that once dominated the region. The area was occupied by an iron foundry supported by hundreds of gable-roofed homes, barns, and sheds in the rich iron valley of Dutchess County, New York. These utilitarian homes reflected the character of place and were built with traditional timber frame structures. They were simple without being basic and had a unique presence without being overt. The architecture of this home projects this utility and tradition.
The two-gable, barn-like buildings are clad in salvaged patinaed barnboard, evoking the history of place. The primary residence gable form, with abutting shed to the east and flat roof to the west, is a timber frame structure built from locally salvaged, hand-hewn elements, recalling the traditional building craft of the area. The first-floor program includes a north entry porch, foyer/gallery space, mudroom, great room with wood burning fireplace, dining room, kitchen, pantry, powder room, and primary bedroom suite. The second floor includes a guest bedroom suite and sitting room. All south-facing openings are large sliding doors with screens that open to a stone terrace that connect the interior spaces to the landscape.
The lower-level walk-out space includes an entertainment space, guest suite, and exercise room that opens to a lower outdoor courtyard.
The auxiliary building’s program is a four-car garage and woodshop on the ground floor with office suite above. A south balcony porch inset into the office space overlooks the estate.