Nestled in the Catskill forest just outside Woodstock, NY, the Woodstock Poolhouse is a sleek, 2,000-square-foot retreat designed by North River Architecture & Planning. At only 18 feet wide, the structure threads gracefully between towering trees, creating a serene escape with a 60-foot indoor lap pool, spa bathroom, exercise room, and a covered deck that gently steps down to the forest floor.
The architects committed to blending the building with its woodland surroundings, opening every façade to the outside via expansive folding doors. In colder months, triple-pane glass keeps light flowing into the interior while using Passive House principles — tight insulation and air-sealing — to minimize energy demand and maintain comfort year-round.
Materials were chosen both for their aesthetic warmth and durability. The floors, decks, and ceilings use sapele wood; counters and flooring feature locally sourced limestone; walls are finished with waterproof plaster; and the roof is clad in standing-seam Galvalume. Most notably, custom-milled eastern white pine siding and structural timbers — harvested from trees on the very site — give the building its character and a powerful sense of place.
This design not only creates a private, peaceful retreat but also models sustainability: by reusing onsite timber, reducing transport, and employing energy-efficient design strategies, the project is a refined example of how architecture can honor its natural context.
About this project:
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Architects: North River Architecture & Planning
- Area: 2000 ft²
- Year: 2018
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Photographs:Deborah DeGraffenreid
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Lead Architects: Stephanie Bassler
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Engineering: Kaaterskill Associates, Bill Scribner
- Source: https://www.archdaily.com/922084/woodstock-poolhouse-north-river-architecture-and-planning
