Shokan by Jay Bargmann
Jay Bargmann’s Shokan house in upstate New York presents itself as, at least when presented solely by itself, a place of uniformity and precision. In context though, it is merely a blip in the vast forest space around it. Rather than placed horizontally along the landscape, it is slid in as to cause a lesser disruption to the broader surroundings and essentially be one with it.
While this house, comparatively, is in dramatic contrast to its direct exterior environment, it remains very natural and appropriate for the sort of perceived minimalism it gives off. With the serene forest environment surrounding it, this appears as a solid reflective glass prism designed to perfectly welcome itself in an otherwise untouchable location. While seemingly minimal, its attention to detail is prevalent on the grandest to the smallest scales. From the natural materials and muted and neutral color palette, it juxtaposes the greenery around it as a place of deconstruction and unraveling of beautiful organic environment that surrounds.
The house was designed with detail in mind. While many have an idea of ornamentation when it comes to detail, myself included, this sets the bar to what modern detail can display. “Every piece records the construction of the house and is essential to the concept,” said the architect. The story of this house is certainly one of honesty and reflectivity of its being. The natural environment around it is the star of the show and this house isn’t trying to be anything its not. Thats why the story of its construction is anything but hidden. It has a reason for being there and it’s explaining to everyone why.
This house doesn’t make sense if it were in any most places. The forest is such a raw, untouched environment that nature and its fundamental laws are all it is. Shokan is designed to capture the essence of the idea of logic and self-sustainable nature in its details. Everything has one purpose and one purpose only. I tend to believe the laws of nature follow the “form follows function” rule and the architect knew that was essential to integrate when designing this house.
Just as in nature, the beauty lies in the details and intricacies of its natural functions. While from afar it presents a stark offset to the landscape, its entire concept is a detail in which the closer you look, the more you unpack its story.
Brian's 212 Understanding Architecture Section 