STREVER Farm LONGHOUSE I

The Strever Farm Longhouse emerged from a layered process of construction experimentation, deeply influenced by experiences across Mexico, the USA, France, and Brazil. It is a synthesis of varied urban, rural, and cultural contexts—an intersection of methods, local regulations, inflation, uncertainty and fluctuating local and global conditions. Guided by research into regional typologies and the history of the land, we concluded that the architecture should remain discrete, allowing the landscape’s inherent beauty to come forward. The longhouse thus takes the form of a simple, elongated bar that appears and disappears with the changing seasons, transforming alongside the passage of time.

A unique convergence of architecture, landscape, preservation, agriculture, art, and nature defines the project. Half of the land remains forested, while the other half supports agricultural fields maintained by a local farmer. He suggested tilling practices to oxygenate the soil's top layer, emphasizing the importance of collecting arrowheads that surfaced—remnants of Mohican (People of the River) life and of encounters with the Iroquois (People of the Longhouse). Inspired by the Iroquois longhouse structures, with their vaulted ceilings and minimalist geometry, the direction became clear: to build a longhouse for the modern world, embracing local knowledge and materials creating a resilient structure aligned with passive solar design principles.

This contemporary longhouse incorporates an engineered wood framing structure, a continuous insulation system, and a breathable weathering membrane designed for lasting durability and energy efficiency. The facade is wrapped with an adobo wood screen, creating a porous, ventilated exterior that enhances the natural airflow throughout the building. The open-joint cladding system, combined with the building’s thermal mass, optimizes energy use for both heating and cooling. Southern-facing windows are equipped with overhangs that control solar gain, blocking intense summer heat while allowing winter sunlight to warm the concrete slabs. This stored warmth is gradually released at night, ensuring a comfortable, energy-efficient indoor environment year-round. The Strever Farm Longhouse is a complete system—its continuous envelope, thermal mass, and radiant floors creates a resilient, sustainable structure that withstands extreme summer heat and humidity as well as harsh winter temperatures. This design not only pays homage to the land's historical narratives but also brings forward an architecture in harmony with its surroundings and rooted in sustainable principles.

Location: Dutchess County, NY, USA

Project Year: 2024
Project Area: 4,000 sqft
Status: Built

PHOTOGRPHY: RAFAEL GAMO