GLUCK+

Tower House

A stairway to the treetops

Catskills, NY

Tower House is a stairway to the treetops that uses the reflectivity of glass to blend into the natural environment. Keeping the footprint to a minimum—so as not to disturb the wooded site—each of the first three floors has only one small bedroom and bath. The living spaces on the top floor spread out from the tower like the surrounding forest canopy, providing views of a reservoir and the Catskill mountains in the distance. A sustainable strategy reduces the heating footprint of the house in the winter and eliminates the need for air conditioning during the summer.

Houses 2,550 sf Completed in 2012 Architect-Led Design Build

Press & Recognition

“Whimsical. Delightful. A mini-house on steroids that recalls a forest ranger’s watchtower. It shows the optimism of an architect. Keep the trees!”

—AIANY 2013 Design Awards Jury
Architectural RecordApril 16, 2013

“A chameleon-like house which changes with the seasons.”

By Joann Gonchar
Fast CompanyMay 22, 2013

A Skyscraper-Style Treehouse With Soaring Mountain Views

By Sammy Medina
WIREDAugust 1, 2013

An Amazing Glass House that Peeks Over the Forest

By Liz Stinson
CurbedMarch 21, 2023

When Architects Design Their Own Family Getaways

By Wendy Goodman

2013

Architecture Merit Award

American Institute of Architects New York

2015

International Architecture Award

The Chicago Athenaeum &

The European Centre for Architecture

2013

Design Award of Excellence

Society of American Registered Architects New York

Photographs

Drawings

Type
Houses
Size
2,550 sf
Year
2012
Scope
Ground Up
Role
Architect-Led Design Build
LocationLoc.
Catskills, NY