Clover Hill Foundry

Somers, NY

This residence perched along a hillside in the Hudson Valley, is a thoughtful renovation of a late 19th-century masonry foundry into a secluded private home. Originally built in the 1890s as part of a short-lived mining operation, the structure fell into disuse before being repurposed by artists in the 1940s. The current homeowners were drawn to the property’s natural setting and dramatic brick architecture, commissioning a renovation that would preserve its historic character while transforming it into a contemporary living space. Key elements like thick masonry walls and timber supports were retained, while the home’s layout was reimagined to better suit modern needs.

The renovation reorganized the interior to enhance spatial flow and functionality. The kitchen was relocated to the upper level, creating a cohesive, double-height living and dining area, while the lower floor was redesigned to include a new bedroom, family room, and bath. A former guest house was converted into a primary suite, and a contemporary loft volume was added above the kitchen, complete with a cantilevered bedroom and screening room. The materials palette—featuring charred oak, whitewashed plywood, and honed marble—creates a dialogue between old and new, softened by natural light and curated furnishings. The collaboration between architect and homeowner resulted in a warm, bespoke residence that honors its past while embracing the present.

The kitchen is tucked underneath the cantilevering volume of the loft space above, which is clad in reclaimed oak slate that have been charred to mimic the bark of the surrounding trees. A monolithic marble island & backsplash is paired with stained oak cabinetry, adding contrast to the original wide plank flooring and wood slats overhead.

The entry and stairway leading to the loft is made from whitewashed maple plywood, with the exposed end grain tracing the stair treads. A simple, vertical bar railing rests on top of the plywood stair, leading to the loft above which is entirely clad in the same plywood. This upper room offers views back down to the living space as well as small reading nook accessed by a custom steel ladder.

Select Press

Dwell — July / August 2019
Dezeen — October 2019
Curbed — October 2019
Upstate Book — October 2020
Remodelista — October 2024

Project Info

Completion Date— 2018
Area —3,250 sf
Contractor —McNamara Carpentry
Photography —Nick Glimenakis

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