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Architects: BarlisWedlick
- Area: 2750 m²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Reto Guntli
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Manufacturers: Arroyo Craftsman, Benjamin Moore, Crate & Barrel, Crawford & Associates Engineering, Devonian Stone, Gallant and Jones, Harley’s on Beverly, Jon Howell Antiques, Perennials Inc, Schüco, Scott Swimming Pools, Stone Source, Tommy Bahama, West Elm
Text description provided by the architects. The 2,750 sq ft Lazy Bear Poolhouse by BarlisWedlick is located on a 115-acre estate in the Catskill Mountains. A modern twist on traditional rustic architecture, the pool house - which houses a 54-foot-long pool - is an extension of the property’s main house accessible by a passageway constructed partially underground.
Built with Passive House principles, the larger-than-life pool house features 18-foot-tall triple-glazed windows constructed along the pool’s west side to maximize sunlight. The underground passageway also allows an airtight entry, which creates an 88-degree indoor temperature all year round.
Ventilation from the ceiling prevents the glass from fogging up from the warm climate. BarlisWedlick intentionally designed the pool house in a different architectural style than the main house, noting that because of its unique size, a matching style would have compromised its proportions.
Over time, the agricultural-style structure with a standing-seam gabled roof and two-toned board-and-batten siding will appear to look ‘older’ than the main house. Four tree-trunk columns run the length of the pool anchoring the structure’s nature-centric look, while white birch logs cover the walls. A leaf-patterned Paul Frankl upholstered sofa and forest-inspired wallpaper further add to the building’s feel of tropical escapism.
