Set on a ridge between rolling valleys of Columbia County, the site enjoys views and light from all directions. We started with designs drawn around an existing cottage with hopes of saving at least the stone foundation and bunker basement. However, it soon became evident that the easier path forward would be to clear the site— and yet the articulated layout remained. Billy is an avid fan of trains, and the linear plan makes a subtle reference to this, accented by a cross-ways porch to mark the starting line. The material palette is kept simple with painted siding and elements of natural wood. This is true of the interior as well, where a love of Southwest Style is evident. The house is a highly efficient ensemble, with European windows, added insulation, and a heat pump HVAC system. Billy enjoyed working on the project himself, assisting the builder on-site throughout the process.