When it comes to bringing the outside in, this stunning glass mansion certainly hits the mark.
Designed by New York-based architect Steven Harris, Bedford Quarry House is perched on a 40-foot bluff above an abandoned quarry-turned-lake with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the views to speak for themselves.
in a video for architectural compendiumViewed more than 875,000 times, the designer gives viewers a comprehensive tour of the 6,900-square-foot property.
He explains that “the idea is that maybe there are no walls, maybe you’re outside all the time” and all rooms offer different views of the water and the surrounding forest.
Designed by New York-based architect Steven Harris, Bedford Quarry House is perched on a 40-foot bluff above an abandoned quarry-turned-lake with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the views to speak for themselves.
In a video for Architectural Digest, viewed more than 875,000 times, the designer gives viewers a comprehensive tour of the 6,900-square-foot property.
He explains that “the idea is that maybe there are no walls, maybe you’re outside all the time” and all rooms offer different views of the water and the surrounding forest.
Although the house is an hour from New York, Harris says it “feels like I could be in Montana” because of the lush countryside.
The quarry was apparently rich in rose quartz and other gems, but it closed after workers hit the water.
Although the house is an hour from New York, Harris says it “feels like I’m in Montana” because of the lush countryside.
The quarry was apparently rich in rose quartz and other gems, but it closed after workers hit the water.
When the current owners found the site, there was a house on it, but Harris indicated that it needed some maintenance.
After being recruited to create a new property, he said: ‘Many architects prefer to work on nice, flat sites to build on. I’m much more interested in difficult sites.
“I saw it as an extraordinary geological opportunity and the fact that it had so much water and the vegetation and the trees were so beautiful.
“I wanted to make sure that the materials, the palette, the character of the house responded to the site.
“It’s not often that you’re building on top of a 40-foot-high stone wall.”
During his video tour, Harris shows off some of the main spaces.
He says that one of the most used spaces is an open kitchen, dining room and living room.
So that the space can be used for entertaining, part of the kitchen is hidden from view.
Other highlights include the media room, which features a miniature model of the house, the master bedroom with two walk-in closets, the children’s bedrooms adorned with window seats, and the expansive terrace with views of the waterfall.
After he was recruited to create a new property, he said, “I saw it as an extraordinary geological opportunity and the fact that it had so much water and the vegetation and trees were so beautiful.”
Harris says the natural water source helps remove “every piece of stray sound you can hear.”
Bedford Quarry, completed in 2021, earned ‘merit’ in the residential category of the 2022 BSA Design Awards
Concluding his tour of the property, Harris mused, “If someone comes to the house, I’d prefer they not be impressed.” He would prefer they not know who the architect is. I would expect there to be a kind of quiet, serenity, comfort.
Other home features include a garage with a retractable door inspired by an aircraft hangar and a swimming pool.
Harris says the natural water source helps eliminate “any stray sounds you can hear.”
As for the home’s color scheme, Harris says she opted to keep the interiors “relatively muted,” with a mix of earth tones throughout.
Other home features include a garage with a retractable door inspired by an aircraft hangar and a swimming pool.
Bedford Quarry, which was completed in 2021, earned a “merit” in the residential category of the 2022 BSA Design Awards.
The judges said of the structure: ‘[It] helps to restore, capitalize on, and assimilate the surrounding natural environment.
‘A branching floor plan built into the bedrock of the site offers spectacular views of an abandoned quarry turned lake and the surrounding forest.
“This provides clients with a sense of serenity and comfort.”
The judges also applauded the house’s green credentials, as it has ‘low-energy insulation’, ‘rain and wastewater management’ and ‘biological retention-based septic system’.
Concluding his tour of the property, Harris mused, “If someone comes to the house, I’d prefer they not be impressed.” He would prefer they not know who the architect is. I would expect there to be a kind of quiet, serenity, comfort
‘If there were two adjectives for a project that are my highest ambition, it’s for a project to feel effortless and inevitable.’
Thousands of viewers have applauded Harris’s creation, deeming it ‘flawless’, ‘flawless’ and a ‘masterpiece’.
