This 1887 carriage house in New Jersey has been transformed into a stunning pool house, seamlessly blending brutalist concrete, glass, and reclaimed terracotta. The project, led by designer Michael Aiduss and Oasis Architecture, is a testament to thoughtful architecture that respects the past while embracing the future. The result is a resort-style escape inspired by the glamour of Palm Springs and the South of France, where old and new coexist in harmony.
The renovation involved a contemporary addition to the existing structure, preserving the original scale and proportions. Aiduss and his team carefully selected materials to create a seamless transition between the historic carriage house and the modern extension. The aesthetic is described as 'Palm Springs meets South of France in the 1950s', capturing the optimism of California and the romance of European living.
One of the key features is the original garden room, which offers a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. Aiduss used reclaimed terracotta stone from France, laid with a modern format, and rough plaster to connect the historical and modern spaces. The slim glass connection between the original structure and the new addition creates a deliberate pause, while the sculptural cast concrete and bronze staircase adds to the overall design.
The lower level of the pool house is intimate, but as you ascend, the space opens up, and materials become lighter. The architecture unfolds towards the pool terrace, where floor-to-ceiling accordion doors dissolve the boundaries between inside and out. The open-plan kitchen is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling doors and windows that glide open, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The living room is designed to encourage outdoor living and entertaining, with deep sofas arranged around an oversized coffee table and a large screen for afternoon viewings. The former games room has been transformed into a cozy den, featuring walls coated in a deep shade of terracotta plaster. The upper level is illuminated by a glazed, greenhouse-inspired skylight, connecting the rooms and creating a gentle rhythm between the historic carriage house and the contemporary addition.
The entry demonstrates an exercise in balance, pairing the rawness of cast concrete with the warmth of terracotta tiles and plaster. The outdoor space is designed around the pool, featuring an outdoor kitchen, a sitting area with a perfect city view, and a pergola for shading. The project is a testament to how thoughtful architecture can breathe new life into historic buildings without sacrificing their story, creating a retreat that is both deeply rooted in its setting and transportive.
