Adam Rolston New York State by Richard Powers

Adam Rolston New York State

Pictures Richard Powers

Words Dominic Bradbury

Sixteen Doors is a contemporary cabin in Columbia County in upstate New York, designed by and for architect Adam Rolston of New York based architectural practice Incorporated. Rolston shares the house with his partner.

The weekend and holiday retreat is in a rural location near the town of Hillsdale, with views out into surrounding woodland and across rolling farmland from the expanse of glazing within the ‘sixteen doors’ to each side of the long, rectangular building, which is just one room deep along its entire length.An open plan area in the centre of the house contains kitchen, dining area and sitting room while there are two bedrooms at either end of the house.

The design of the timber framed house was inspired by the simplicity of agricultural buildings and farmsteads but given a very contemporary treatment. Natural textures and an eclectic mix of furniture and art help warm the interiors. Rolston’s work is also influenced by Modernist master Craig Ellwood, who designed a house for Rolston’s grandfather in Los Angeles, where Rolston grew up.