Lookout House

Ground-up single-family residence
Accord, NY

Envelope & Performance

High-performance envelope with continuous insulation and careful air-sealing.
Triple-pane glazing selected for orientation, comfort, and durability.
Assemblies prioritized for longevity, serviceability, and future adaptation.

Structure

Engineered wood framing with selective structural steel.
Structural strategy coordinated early to support clear spans and spatial clarity.

Mechanical Systems

All-electric systems throughout.
Hydronic heating distribution and air-source heat-pump systems.
Energy-recovery ventilation for continuous fresh air and quiet operation.
On-site solar generation (20 kW) with battery-ready electrical infrastructure.

Materials & Finishes

Charred wood (yakisugi) exterior cladding with powder-coated steel details.
Durable assemblies selected for weathering and minimal maintenance.
Interior finishes chosen for simplicity, tactility, and repairability.
Low- and zero-VOC finishes used throughout.

Indoor Environment

Continuous ventilation and filtration.
Healthy interior conditions treated as baseline.

Site

Placement driven by topography, views, solar orientation, and approach.
Minimal disturbance beyond the building footprint.

Team

Architecture: Jim Childress, Centerbrook Architects
Interior Design: Jonathan Smith, Common Concepts
Builder: David Metzger