HOUSE ON A HILL
Location: Hillsdale, New York
Type: Residential – Single Family, Ground-Up
Status: Built, Completed Spring 2025
Size: 1,500 SF
Team: Miroslava Brooks, Daniel Markiewicz, Kyle Troyer
Contractor: Kalmen Construction
Conceived during the pandemic - a moment of global pause and reflection - this project explores the potential of compact living as a means to reconnect with nature and rethink domestic space. Set within a wooded, nine-acre site in Upstate New York, the house is designed to renew focus on the surrounding landscape—prioritizing views, daylight, and the immersive qualities of its setting. A modest footprint and efficient planning strategy allow the architecture to sit lightly on the land while offering a rich spatial experience from within.
Flexibility was a guiding principle from the start. The inclusion of three ensuite bedrooms enables a variety of living arrangements—from families and groups of friends to solo travelers—each with a sense of autonomy and privacy. This adaptability, paired with the compact design, supports seasonal stays, creative retreats, or long-term residence, all while maintaining a close dialogue with the natural environment.
The final structure—a sculptural black cube—rests at the crest of a gentle hill, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Dark cedar cladding and black metal detailing contrast with a warm, textured interior palette. A double-height living space on the second floor captures daylight through expansive eight-foot windows, creating a luminous central core.
Minimizing the footprint helped reduce environmental and construction costs, while vertical stacking organizes spaces efficiently. At the heart of the home, a fireplace is embedded into custom millwork, linking kitchen, dining, and living areas that open to views of a nearby pond. Bold yet grounded, House on a Hill offers a quiet retreat immersed in its natural context.
More images coming soon!
Currently listed with Upstate Curious Team at Compass: