Project Name: ClusterOne

Location: Accord, New York, United States

Design Team: Studio MM Architect

Total Floor Area: 2,750 ft²

Completion: 2024

Photography: Brad Feinknopf

Feature: Studio MM Architect's "ClusterOne Residence" demonstrates how innovative dual-volume connection strategies and masterful indoor-outdoor space integration techniques can transform traditional residential design concepts into a celestial-poetry-infused modern retreat sanctuary.

This 2,750-square-foot residence dramatically perches within the forested landscape of upstate New York, presenting itself as a profound meditation on multi-level outdoor experience integration, architectural narrative, and contemporary retreat lifestyle fusion. Rather than completely abandoning conventional residential layout frameworks, it creates a living experience that seamlessly weaves celestial inspiration with Hudson Valley natural landscape through carefully considered volume separation and connection.

The project's most compelling design feature lies in its fundamental reimagining of traditional residential space organization. Two independent building volumes—white-clad Castor (guest areas) and black-clad Pollux (main living areas)—connect through an unprecedented floating glass hallway, including partially transparent glass flooring design, and a multi-level outdoor space system surrounding the sunken courtyard. This three-dimensional spatial thread ensures different levels of landscape views from every functional area, creating continuous dialogue between architecture and forest environment.

Studio MM Architect's design language fluently expresses contemporary residential design vernacular, employing innovative corner pocket door craftsmanship and cantilevered kitchen island design to redefine living experiences. These custom architectural elements, from corner-meeting double door systems to the kitchen island as social hub, innovatively respond to the owners' lifestyle habits rather than conventional spatial configurations. This bold functional reinterpretation not only adds practicality and uniqueness to spaces but cleverly accommodates modern families' informal social culture.

Most remarkably, the architects create experiential transitions between different functional levels through clever manipulation of vertical space. The ground-level sunken courtyard with firepit creates gathering atmosphere for the base layer, the second-floor deck's circular opening creates vertical visual connection, while the rooftop's dual terraces—spa deck and observation deck—provide the ultimate celestial viewing experience, with each level carrying different social and intimate functions.

Landscape strategy continues this multi-level experience design philosophy. The glass observation dome atop the observation deck was designed to harmonize with surrounding tree canopy landscape, allowing people to enjoy stargazing experiences with a "floating above treetops" sensation. Lighting systems beneath stairs and floating glass railing design anchor the dedicated celestial observation activities, reflecting the inhabitants' passion for astronomy, with every design element carrying expectations for future exploration and discovery.

Design Team - Studio MM Architect stands as a distinguished representative of Hudson Valley residential design, founded in New York State in 2010 by architect Marica McKeel, AIA, having established a pioneering reputation in contemporary custom residential design and site-responsive architectural language innovation since its founding. This Hudson Valley-based practice redefines residential architects' role in contemporary retreat housing discourse through vertical integration of design and construction management.

Studio MM Architect brings exceptional collaborative design perspectives and deep understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to residential architectural practice. The practice has garnered recognition for its commitment to integrating passive design principles with contemporary residential aesthetics, with founder McKeel having worked at the prestigious Santiago Calatrava New York office on significant projects including the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, and holding academic credentials including a Master of Architecture from Parsons The New School of Design and Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University. This combination of international practice experience with American architectural education positions Studio MM Architect uniquely within Hudson Valley's architectural landscape.

The firm's design philosophy emphasizes that architecture should transcend functional limitations—designed not merely to meet basic living needs but to evolve organically with inhabitants' life narratives and site characteristics. Through sustainable site preservation and innovation approaches, working across diversified residential projects from forest cabins and expansive retreats to renovation projects, they believe the best residential architecture results from customized responses through precise and thoughtful collaborative processes. Studio MM Architect believes architecture should serve as a carrier of client stories and site memory, creating unique living experiences through strategic spatial organization and material selection.

Beyond practice, the firm maintains strong regional integration through long-term partnerships with local contractors and craftspeople. Currently co-led by Technical Director Colbi Campbell, the team includes project architects, construction managers, and operations staff. Through thoughtful integration of Hudson Valley indigenous construction methods with modern design concepts, local and sustainable material applications, and time-tested residential design wisdom, Studio MM Architect has established itself as a significant contributor to contemporary Hudson Valley residential architectural discourse, creating architectural works that are both site-responsive and embrace modern lifestyle. The firm's work has garnered recognition from prestigious publications including Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, and Dwell, with McKeel currently serving as a Board member of the AIA Custom Residential Architects Network Knowledge Community (AIA CRAN®) and licensed to practice in New York, Connecticut, and Florida.