House on a Hill: A Compact Cedar Cube with Expansive Views
In the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, House on a Hill by FORMA Architects rises like a sculptural cedar cube amid acres of rolling greenery. Its vertical form and modest 700-square-foot footprint make it a study in efficiency and restraint.
The darkened cedar cladding softens over time, blending the home seamlessly with its wooded surroundings while emphasizing its crisp geometric cuts and deep, angled openings.
The layout flips convention: bedrooms are grounded on the lower level, while the main living and dining spaces soar above to capture sweeping views of the valley. This inversion transforms the climb upstairs into a moment of transition—from shelter to sky. Large, irregularly framed windows choreograph light throughout the day, bringing a sense of rhythm and depth to the minimalist interior.
FORMA’s design turns constraint into poetry. Every angle and cut serves purpose—framing vistas, creating shade, and crafting intimacy within openness. The result is a dwelling that feels both elemental and elevated, where simplicity becomes sophistication and every ascent rewards with horizon.
