Skip to Content
Change Location
Contact Us
270-684-3028
Blog

Merging Modern Design and Nature with Help from Pella

When designing a building in the middle of nature, occasionally it’s best to step back and showcase the beauty of its surroundings.

That was the situation for architect Kyle Page, founder of Brooklyn-based architecture firm Sundial Studios, when building a family weekend cabin in the woods of Sullivan County, New York. Page seized upon the opportunity to develop a relaxing, peaceful escape that involves nature while featuring simple modern design.

Rural modern cabin Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea
 
All through the building process, Page relied on his local Pella Windows and Doors dealer to find doors and windows that struck the right balance between nature and design. The staff at Pella worked with Page to develop custom grilles for the Architect Series® Reserve windows included in the cabin, as well as choosing French doors and windows from the Architect Series Contemporary line.

The result: A picturesque retreat that has drawn acclaim, including a feature in The New York Times real estate section.

Page shared his thoughts about the process of creating his unique home.

Rural modern cabinPhoto attributed to Bjorg Magnea 

On the natural appeal of the building site:

“The building location is a beautiful and wild 19 acres and is less than two hours away from our Brooklyn home. The land is private and wooded, with a pond, wetlands, old-stone pasture walls and exposed ledgestone coming down from the north and west sides. We installed an owl box in a tree about a tenth of a mile away from the house, but currently, no owl has moved in. A blue heron occasionally visits, and now and then a bald eagle will fish the pond. The deer think they own the place.”

Interior of custom homePhoto attributed to Bjorg Magnea 

On integrating natural elements into the cabin’s design:

“The patinaed exterior material palette of rusted, weathering steel; blackened, rough-cut cedar; and the exposed concrete foundation plinth, which runs down toward the pond, were chosen to merge the building into its wooded surroundings. Also, the windows were sized and detailed to add to the dialogue between the house and the pond. The windows extend as they move toward the pond, and the south gable wall is just about fully glazed, and includes the custom grilles, which reflect the geometries of the gable form.”

Custom home with contemporary decorPhoto attributed to Bjorg Magnea

On including Pella products:

“I have worked with Pella before, and have always had good experiences with both the quality of the product and the Pella team. The aluminum-clad wood windows have strong durability. For this project, I selected the Architect Series because it brings a minimal style that fit very well with the design of the cabin. The thin profile and larger areas of glass look terrific!”

Custom cabin with large windows

Photo attributed to Kyle Page
 
On teaming with the Pella specialists to develop custom window grilles:

“It was a very easy process working with the team at Pella to have the grilles the way I intended. I gave them drawings of the layouts, and was presented with shop drawings for review and approval, prior to their fabrication. It added some additional lead time to the windows—about six weeks. But the end result was worth it. The professionalism of the team left me confident that it would be the way I envisioned.”

Modern cabin interiorPhoto attributed to Bjorg Magnea

Pella windows and doors played a featured role in this breathtaking architectural design. While your remodel might not get reported on in The New York Times, you can rely on Pella to offer you home replacement windows and doors that will impress—thanks to their well-crafted design. And you’ll know that the endurance and quality of your Pella products means they’ll be there for years to come.

Begin the journey toward a distinctive home design project by reaching out to a Pella professional today!

Back to Blog