Nestled on 28 acres of forested rock outcropping, the spectacular “Ex of In” House by Steven Holl Architects is a study in contrast that highlights the intersection of organic curvature and straight lines. Built in 2016, this Rhinebeck, New York home’s exterior consists of rigid, white blocks and sharp angles. Inside, the structure softens into spherical voids and soothing wood tones. According to the architect, the house ?explores a language of space, aimed at inner spatial energy strongly bound to the ecology of the place – questioning current cliches of architectural language and commercial practice.?
Ex of In’s construction site was originally intended to be divided into five suburban house plots, but Holl saved it from development and decided to place just one home on it. He decided to preserve the forest that took up the remaining space to benefit the local ecosystem and gain some personal peace of mind. The home measures just 918 square feet and acts as an alternative to modernist suburban houses ?that sprawl in the landscape.?
It?s certainly different from the average suburban, or even forest, home. The exterior’s geometric planes are pierced by one circular opening after another, all of which frame pastoral views of the trees for indoor spectators. The house belongs to Steven Holl himself, who built it to be an artist’s residence, guest house, and architectural experiment all in one. When designing the building, Holl adh...