Sometimes a design concept gets in the way of good design, but at other times, a generative idea can carry through to create a space both remarkable and livable – this structure represents the latter case.

What started out as a traditional idea of a horizontal home was given a twist, demanded by the beautiful site. The result was turned on its side and lifted up, creating a core series of levels and an expansive upper floor.

The building in question is a second home in Upstate New York by GluckPlus for one its own – Thomas Gluck – who wanted to take in the surrounding mountain views from something both contemporary, but, at the same time, matched to its setting. The home has a minimal ground footprint and reflective windows that blend the structure into the landscape.

From the architects: “This small vacation house is designed as a stairway to the treetops. Keeping the footprint to a minimum so as not to disturb the wooded site, each of the first three floors has only one small bedroom and bath, each a tiny private suite. The top floor, which contains the living spaces, spreads out from the tower like the surrounding forest canopy, providing views of the lake and mountains in the distance. An outdoor roof terrace deck above extends the living space above the treetops, offering a stunning lookout to the long view.”