A Modern Barn Amid Ancient Stones
When it came time to create his firm’s first carbon-neutral residence, aptly named Carbon Home Zero, Sam Fertik made it deeply personal. Conceived as his family’s forever home, the project merges cutting-edge sustainability with heartfelt intention, drawing inspiration from the pastoral beauty of Pound Ridge, the architectural heritage of the Hudson Valley, and Olson Kundig’s iconic barn forms.
Set among centuries-old stone walls and lush equestrian landscape, the house embraces its rural context while pushing architectural boundaries. Sam designed the residence in collaboration with his wife, Julie, and architect Ben Albury from Amalgam Studio . The striking gabled form evokes the barns of horse country, yet beneath the familiar silhouette lies a fortress of insulated concrete and steel. A second-floor walkout reveals how the home nestles into the hillside, making the forest feel just steps away and immersing residents in the landscape. “We get turkeys, deer and bunny rabbits, all sorts of animals that walk within feet of the office every day,” shares Sam. This structure offers unmatched energy performance and resilience, while maintaining the warmth of a home where his daughter can roam freely.
Designed for Life. Crafted with Care.
In Sam’s world, beauty and purpose are inseparable. His kitchen is bathed in natural light that lingers well into dusk, and rarely needs artificial lighting. Expansive windows become living paintings, framing the forest and gardens beyond. Just steps away, their garden yields fresh produce, turning every meal into a simple celebration of the land.
As a former chef turned builder, Sam layers cherished memories into every design detail; an oversized sink recalls washing dishes with his grandmother, while deep window boxes transform into stages for his daughter’s imagination, and the cooktop sparks new family traditions. “My daughter loves making eggs,” says Sam, who feels confident letting her use the Gaggenau induction cooktop. Like Gaggenau, every design decision balances timeless aesthetics with daily practicality, proving that “functionally beautiful” is more than a mantra; it’s a way of life.
As Sam’s reputation grows, he continues to pursue his ambition to redefine high-end residential construction across the Northeast and beyond. His projects promise to set new benchmarks for healthy, resilient, and design-forward homes. As a former chef, Sam merges his culinary precision with a builder’s expertise enabling him and his team at Carbon Builders to champion spaces for today and for generations to come.
Designer: Sam Fertik, Carbon Custom Builders
