Luxury Residence on a Contoured Site

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Location: New York, USA

Project Size: ~9,500 sq. ft.

Sector: Residential | Luxury Single-Family

Mixed-use tower exterior in Texas

Overview

Set on a naturally contoured site, this luxury residence harmonizes architecture with terrain through skillful cut-and-fill techniques. The L-shaped layout is anchored by a landscaped pathway leading to a welcoming entrance, balancing informal charm with modern opulence. Spaces are thoughtfully zoned into private, semi-private, and service areas—ensuring fluid circulation rather than rigid compartmentalization.

The Design Spans Three Levels:

  • Main Level (~4,900 sq. ft.): gym, living and dining areas, kitchen, utilities, and bedroom.
  • Lower Level (~3,900 sq. ft.): semi-private living spaces and an additional bedroom, blending seamlessly with outdoor areas.
  • Garage & Storage (~700 sq. ft.): closed vehicular access with functional storage.

Articulated pitched roofs unify the home’s visual identity, giving it a distinct yet cohesive presence.

Key Design Challenges

1
Topography

Integrating the residence into a sloped terrain while ensuring stability and usability.

2
Views & Privacy

Expansive glazing risked compromising privacy and thermal comfort.

3
Zoning

Needed seamless circulation between private, semi-private, and service areas without creating isolated pockets.

4
Architectural Cohesion

Multiple pitched roofs and varying volumes risked visual dissonance.

Our Approach

Rather than flattening the site, the design embraced its natural slope through tiered levels that celebrate elevation differences. Landscaped retaining walls softened the transition between cut-and-fill zones, while also stabilizing terrain. Zoning strategies used spatial layering and subtle thresholds to encourage connection across spaces. Roofs were deliberately varied in orientation and scale to reduce bulk and articulate massing. Glazing was positioned to capture daylight and views, while landscape buffers and elevation changes maintained privacy.

Comparative Advantage

Typical Approach Vee Technologies' Advantage

Flattened grading to simplify construction

Tiered cut-and-fill strategy integrating the slope as a design feature

Uniform zoning separating private and public areas

Layered zoning creating fluid transitions between semi-private and private

Standardized roof pitches

Varied roof orientations for articulated massing and reduced visual weight

Large openings without screening

Strategic glazing + landscape buffers to balance openness and privacy

Project Visuals

Dual road frontage design
Office and residential integration
Construction-ready BIM documentation
Dual road frontage design
Office and residential integration
Texas AEC case study 8

Outcome

BIM acoustic modeling

  • Delivered a residence that feels rooted in its landscape while retaining a sense of openness and luxury.

  • Achieved functional efficiency across multiple levels without compromising flow.

  • Created a cohesive architectural expression using pitched roofs and volumetric detailing.

  • Optimized natural light, ventilation, and views while protecting privacy.

Why It Matters

This project demonstrates that topography can inspire design rather than constrain it. By leveraging the slope, layering spaces, and balancing openness with privacy, Vee Technologies transformed a challenging site into a home that is both sculptural and livable —a residence that belongs as much to its landscape as it does to its owners.

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