Even though economist-turned-architect Leah Solk’s take on residential design is, well, decidedly economical—maximizing resources, prioritizing functional layouts, and emphasizing adaptable spaces that yield long term benefits—her approach is far from dry.  Rather, Solk reimagines the principles of the dismal science and turns them on their head; creating spaces that cut through the superfluous but leave plenty of room for the simple, the easeful, and even dashes of play.

This mash up of economics meets aesthetics comes to life in her Kerhonksen ‘Cloud House.’ Intentional, adaptable, and “non-trendy’ the contemporary 2,100 square foot retreat serves as a personal escape from frenetic city life, embracing simplicity and enriched by the surrounding forest. It demonstrates how small, smart design choices made consistently over time can compound into design gold.

Photos by Devon Banks Photography