A Reflective Retreat: Inside Max Worrell and Jejon Yeung's Unique Upstate New York Home

In the heart of Upstate New York, architects Max Worrell and Jejon Yeung have crafted a home that defies conventional expectations. Their 1,500-square-foot retreat, situated on six acres of serene woodland, is adorned with reflective sheets of corrugated aluminum, making it blend into its natural surroundings while inviting intrigue.

This distinctive structure, the couple's first personal design project in over a decade, is more than meets the eye. Built from cubic modules measuring seven feet in all dimensions, the home features a layout that promotes a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, aptly named their 'open cabin.' Despite Yeung's light-hearted comment about the limited times they can enjoy open-air living, the design truly embodies flexibility.

The interior layout is centered around a T-shaped wooden core that houses two skylit bathrooms and ample storage, a hallmark of their architectural style. The living area, which includes a cozy Charnwood stove and iconic furniture pieces by renowned designers, is designed to create a communal atmosphere, merging the kitchen, dining, and living spaces into one fluid area.

Worrell and Yeung drew inspiration from their previous Brooklyn co-op, which lacked the creative freedom they sought. They also pay homage to the legacies of LGBTQ architects like Horace Gifford and Philip Johnson, integrating elements that reflect their journey and identity. A striking paprika rug in the salon nods to their alma mater, Yale School of Architecture, where the couple first met.

The home’s design reflects an ongoing dialogue between exposure and retreat, with diagonal views creating a sense of intrigue. Yeung notes that the house serves as a tangible manifestation of ideas previously presented to clients, showcasing their innovative vision and inviting them to explore new possibilities in architectural design.

Source: www.architecturaldigest.com