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Merging Modern Design and Nature with Help from Pella

January 21, 2019

When designing a building in the middle of nature, occasionally it’s best to step back and highlight 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 home in the woods of Sullivan County, New York. Page seized upon the opportunity to develop a relaxing, rural retreat that involves nature while featuring sleek modern design.

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 found 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 selecting French doors and windows from the Architect Series Contemporary line.

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

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

Rural modern cabin Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea

On the natural appeal of the building site:

“The building site is a beautiful and wild 19 acres and is just about 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 added 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 act like they own the place.”

Interior of custom home Photo 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 steps down toward the pond, were chosen to merge the building into its wooded surroundings. Additionally, 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 decor Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea

On including Pella products:

“I have worked with Pella previously, and have always had pleasant 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 panes of glass look terrific!”

Custom cabin with large windows

Photo attributed to Kyle Page

On teaming with the Pella staff to develop custom window grilles:

“It was a very easy process working with the team at Pella to have the grilles the way I wanted them. I provided drawings of the layouts, and was presented with shop drawings for review and approval, prior to their fabrication. It placed 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 interior Photo attributed to Bjorg Magnea

Pella windows and doors played a starring role in this breathtaking architectural design. While your home improvement project 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 head-turning home design project by reaching out to a Pella professional today!

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