Albany, NY
Massry Center for the Arts
Set on a sloped site overlooking Seneca Lake, these one and two bedroom rental cottages are an alternative to the traditional campground experience. This rustic accommodation elevates the popular cabin experience by introducing some of the comforts of home not available with traditional camp sites. These designs were imagined as a hub for exploring other Finger Lake destinations, including the many local wineries and Watkins Glen State Park.
The architecture and site are carefully crafted to maintain an intimate scale and are independent from parking areas with gradually sloping paths meandering through the large existing tree canopy to each private entry. Guests enjoy an extraordinary lake view, framed by mature oak trees that obscure the view of the structures from the water.
Rain gardens and limited excavation minimize site disturbance while protecting the quality of the lake water, as well as maintain the existing site character. With sensitive architectural and site collaboration, this project has created a fully accessible escape destination nestled into a sliver of land. These lakefront cottages encourage the non-traditional campground visitor to take a step into the outdoor experience.
CLIENT:
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
YEAR COMPLETED:
2017
SERVICES:
Architectural Design
Programming
Landscape Architectural Design
Site Planning
Construction Administration
