The Forest Edge house is the fifth solar powered house built by Edifice Upstate in the West Catskills of New York State. The house is designed by award-winning architect and designer Marc Thorpe. The house is a 1500 sqft two story, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and is fully furnished by iconic French design house Ligne Roset. Nested on a 3 acre parcel of forest, the house is clad in FSC certified natural pine, boasts full floor radiant heating, an open living, kitchen and dining plan and a 25’ cantilevered steel deck reaching into the canopy of the surrounding tree line. The house is powered by 24 Monocrystalline solar panels on a 15K Sol-Ark inverter and Lithium Ion LifePo battery bank generating 38kwh of daily electricity.
Situated on a soft slope within the forested mountains of the western Catskills, the Forest Edge reflects a belief in individuality and self-reliance. Formally, the architecture is an exercise in descriptive function, taking inspiration from the surrounding rural agrarian vernacular of the Catskills. Forest Edge is not just a house, it is an opportunity to take back our autonomy. The architecture is an internalized place defined by the harmony of our existence with nature. In this sense, architecture becomes timeless. The work transcends the physical realm to become part of us, holistic, balanced and eternal. This architecture is systemically connected to the environment through ecologically sustainable technology and infrastructure, self-sustaining and independent. Forest Edge is an architecture of responsibility and respect for our environment and ourselves.
Edifice Upstate is a Design & Build agency in the West Catskills focused on the design and development of solar powered homes. Founded by Marc Thorpe and Claire Pijoulat in partnership with local builders and sustainable technology companies. The intention behind Edifice Upstate is to provide a turn key solution in owning an contemporary home with integrated sustainable technology. We believe that we need to take responsibility for our energy consumption by taking control of our own power. Tomorrow will be less so we focus on the qualities living. Our goal is to build a future systemically integrated and balanced with nature for ourselves, our children and future generations.
Marc Thorpe Design was founded in 2010 by architect and industrial designer Marc Thorpe. Thorpe is known internationally for his innovative and dynamic work, taking a rigorous approach to the integration of architecture, design and hand craftsmanship. The studio conceptualizes design while embracing process and has the resources to produce consistent communication platforms. These include architecture, interior design, graphic design, furniture design, product design, retail and exhibit design. The studio offers itself as an open system of exchange. Thorpe has dedicated the studio to the research, professional practice and education of systems thinking through the discipline of architecture and design. Thorpe states, “We believe in a holistic design approach, which engages the social components of space and form.”
Anatole House is a leading boutique brokerage founded by real estate broker, architecture enthusiast and aspiring climate advocate, Robin Jones. Our brand is known for the selection and presentation of undeniably beautiful second homes and co-primary homes. Our clients desire a return to nature, design-forward living, headspace and often dabble in arts and hospitality. Anatole House has been featured in The New York Times, Dwell, Curbed NY and Escape Brooklyn. Based in the Catskills, Hudson Valley and Delaware River Valley regions of Upstate New York. Robin Jones states, “We’re genuinely excited to collaborate with Edifice Upstate. Their work captures everything we believe good design should be: intelligent, sustainable, and deeply connected to its surroundings. We trust their vision because it mirrors our own: thoughtful architecture that treads lightly and lives beautifully.”
