Located on 50 acres of agricultural land in upstate New York, this 3,200 sq. ft. gym and spa building was conceived as a recreational amenity for the client’s family and extended family, many of whom are also the staff who operate and maintain the farm. The owner’s commitment to both physical and mental wellness defines the need for this facility. With many of the farm animals roaming freely, the client views daily interaction with them as an essential part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

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The owner has already developed a range of outdoor recreational spaces, including pickleball and padel courts, a swimming area, and a basketball court, all of which are heavily used by family and staff alike. The property also includes several existing structures—barns, guest houses, and staff housing—and a large organic vegetable garden currently under construction.

Construction of the proposed 3,200 sq. ft. gym and spa is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. The design reuses portions of an existing farm building, expanding upon it to accommodate the client’s program. This location was selected for its optimal solar orientation and its expansive views overlooking a pond and the surrounding mountains. The building is also the first phase of a larger compound that will eventually include the main family residence, an indoor sports court, and a shooting range, with construction of those elements anticipated to begin in the fall of 2026.

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The program includes dedicated spaces for fitness training, lounging, yoga and jujitsu, and a full spa area featuring hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and a steam room, as well as a children’s “jungle gym” play area. Taking advantage of the site’s significant western slope, the building is partially embedded into the hillside, allowing the spa facilities to be housed within a mostly below-grade lower level. A long, sloping roof incorporating Tesla solar roof shingles rises from south to north, and its wedge-shaped form creates a lofted upper volume that accommodates the children’s play space.

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The structure is defined by an exposed laminated timber beam frame and is clad in fiber cement panels, aluminum tubing, and stone veneer. These materials reference the existing stone walls found throughout the property, grounding the building within its agricultural context.