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Artist Creates a Haven in Upstate New York Amidst Pandemic Challenges

Miranda Fengyuan Zhang, an accomplished artist based in New York, reflects on her journey toward establishing a 20-acre homestead in Germantown, New York, describing it as a “Covid baby.” During the height of the pandemic, Zhang and her father, Weijun Sun, spent their days at home in the city, yearning for a retreat in nature. Their weekends were filled with trips upstate, crossing the Hudson River to explore potential homes. They eventually discovered a property with a natural slope and a picturesque pond, which Zhang notes is “great for Chinese feng shui.” This ideal setting, combined with surrounding forests and farmland, provided a perfect foundation for a live-work retreat that aligned with her artistic vision.

A primary objective for the new home was to create a studio bathed in sunlight where Zhang could revive her passion for ceramics and delve into larger-scale sculptures. Given the intertwining of her daily life and artistic endeavors, it was vital to include a second bedroom to accommodate her parents during their frequent visits to the U.S. Zhang’s mother, Lan Xue, is engaged in full-time work in China, while her father often assists her in the studio when he travels to New York.

To bring her vision to life, Zhang sought the expertise of architect Koray Duman from the New York and Istanbul-based firm Büro Koray Duman. Their initial connection was made through Zhang’s former gallerist, Candice Madey.

Duman played a key role in selecting a site that harmonized with both the agricultural landscape and the forest, ultimately designing a spacious 2,500-square-foot home. The architectural style is inspired by traditional gabled barns but adjusted to maximize northern light in the studio. The materials chosen—white-painted concrete and black-stained cedar shingles—reflect Zhang’s experiences in China, particularly inspired by the design elements from the Huizhou province, which left a lasting impression on her before embarking on this project.

In an effort to create a seamless connection between the indoor spaces and the outdoors, Duman designed a deck that opens from both the living room and studio towards the farmland. Zhang’s bedroom, accessed via a staircase featuring a custom bookshelf, is positioned to appear as if it is suspended in the treetops, complete with a private terrace. Beneath this elevated space, the design incorporates a garage and storage area that are integrated into the hillside, making optimal use of the earth’s natural heating and cooling properties.

Additionally, Duman implemented a variety of passive design strategies aimed at enhancing the home’s energy efficiency. These include a renewable geothermal energy system, meticulous air-sealing of the building’s envelope, high-performance pocket doors, and strategically placed fans to facilitate cross ventilation between the upstairs and downstairs sections of the home.

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www.architecturaldigest.com