Modern pavilion by a pond in a forest setting with a grassy path leading to it.

A modern pavilion is situated by the edge of a serene pond, surrounded by dense forest. The structure has a minimalist design with large openings, reflecting in the calm water. A grassy path leads towards the pavilion, enhancing the natural setting.

Modern building with curved wall in a grassy wooded area.
Modern building with ribbed stucco walls and open doorway, surrounded by grass and trees.
Modern building exterior with ribbed stucco walls and a wooden door surrounded by grass.
Modern building with large glass windows by a pond, surrounded by trees.
Aerial view of a modern building with a green roof, surrounded by trees and a pond.
Modern pavilion with large glass windows by a pond, surrounded by forest, reflecting in the water during evening.
Curved exterior wall with wooden door and stone sculpture on gravel.
Outdoor seating area with a sofa and table on gravel, next to a stucco wall with a shadow, and trees in the background.
Patio with chairs and table overlooking a pond and forest.
Interior view of a modern living space with large glass doors, overlooking a pond and trees, featuring minimalist furniture and neutral decor.
Interior of a modern living space with a glass wall overlooking a pond and trees, featuring a sofa, side table, and rug.
Modern interior with large glass doors showing a pond and trees outside, featuring a beige sofa and a round table with chairs.
Interior view of a room with a round table, swivel chairs, a sculpture, and large windows with a view of nature.
Modern dining area with round table and chairs, large glass doors open to green landscape.
Modern kitchen interior with ribbed cabinetry, circular skylight, and minimalist shelving.
Modern kitchen interior with ribbed island, stovetop, and open shelving.
Interior view with textured wall, wooden door, sculpture, sofa, table, and cabinet.
Interior view with large glass doors and a glimpse of outdoor greenery.
Hallway with wooden cabinets and decorative items, leading to an outdoor view.
Bedroom interior with bed, wooden cabinetry, and large glass door with outdoor view.
Minimalist bedroom with textured wall, bed, and wooden cabinet under skylight.
Bedroom corner with bed, pillows, wall lamp, and side table.
Room interior with a large window, textured walls, and a bed with white bedding, overlooking greenery.
Minimalist bathroom with brown walls, white vanity, and oval skylight.
Interior hallway with wooden paneling and doorway.
Modern cabinet with textured brown wall and metallic sculpture, featuring a small decorative wall element.

Story

A serene architectural retreat in the heart of Upstate New York Nestled on the edge of a pond within the dense forests of Lumberland, the Vipp Pavilion offers a tranquil escape from the urban bustle of Manhattan, located just two hours away by car. Designed by Johnston Marklee, this architectural gem is conceived as a harmonious dialogue with its natural surroundings. The structure's geometric forms, inspired by two tangent ellipses, subtly echo the contours of the adjacent pond, creating a seamless integration with the landscape. The pavilion's exterior is crafted from a combination of smooth and ribbed stucco, providing a tactile contrast that enhances its sculptural presence amidst the verdant setting. Inside, the design responds to the shifting scenery of Upstate New York, with a palette that reflects the region's autumnal browns, muted moss greens, and deep fir tones. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass doors blur the boundary between interior and exterior, offering uninterrupted views of the pond and meadow beyond. The landscape design, executed by Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, respects the site's natural character through the use of regional plantings and low-maintenance principles. A green roof, seeded with native species, further reinforces the connection between the meadow and the pavilion, creating a living tapestry that changes with the seasons.

Design Highlights

Geometric forms based on tangent ellipses Smooth and ribbed stucco exterior Interior palette inspired by local landscape Floor-to-ceiling glass doors Green roof with native plantings

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Lumberland, Upstate New York
Architect Johnston Marklee
Landscape Design Larry Weaner Landscape Associates
Material Stucco, Glass
Key Element Green Roof

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior Finish: Smooth and ribbed stucco
  • Interior Finish: Textured walls

Materials

  • Stucco — Exterior and interior walls
  • Wood — Doors and cabinetry
  • Glass — Large floor-to-ceiling doors and windows
  • Concrete — Patio flooring

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Geometric forms based on two tangent ellipses
  • Green Roof: Designed with native species to integrate with the meadow

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: autumn browns, muted moss greens, deep fir tones
  • Lighting: Natural and soft evening light

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