Artist Miranda Fengyuan Zhang sought a home that could fully support her creative life, and she found it on a picturesque plot of land nestled between a forested hill and farmland in Germantown, New York. Her goals for the idyllic property were well-defined: a light and open interior, with moments of calming beauty. Miranda called on architect Koray Duman of B-KD (Büro Koray Duman), a research and community-driven architecture and design studio based in New York City and Istanbul for the ground-up build. 

“Her requests were clear,” says Koray. “A modest but thoughtful house that connects to the land, and a separate, functional studio to allow her creative practice to thrive. Simplicity was key, as was creating a place that felt distinctly hers—personal, but not precious.”

The house is organized around a central living space, with views framed by large glass sliding doors that open to an expansive outdoor deck. “The house ‘bends’ around this, with the studio space to one end, and bedrooms on the other, tucked away for privacy,” Koray explains. “Each space has a strong connection to nature through views and light.” Clerestory windows bathe the studio in natural light, while a second-floor deck connects the mezzanine bedroom to the tranquility outside. 

The architect says one favorite detail is the rhythm of black stained cedar shingles, which create a sense of continuity between the home and the studio. It’s a subtle reflection of Miranda’s own work, which is a study in duality, tactility, and tradition. Together, the home and studio form a quiet sanctuary where creativity and nature meet.