House on Pine Lane by Balman Khapalova: Renovation of a Ranch Connecting Interior and Exterior Spaces

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Modern minimalist house with clean lines and natural wood accents, surrounded by dense greenery and mature trees, highlighting contemporary architecture and sustainable outdoor design

Modern Take on 1980s Ranch

Balman Khapalova reimagined the 1980s ranch house in Southerly, New York, transforming it into a naturally lit home more closely connected to the surrounding forest landscape. The project includes an additional structure of 300 square feet, a new roof, wooden siding cladding, a spacious terrace, and fully updated engineering systems.

By connecting new windows to existing openings, architects maximized natural light and cross-ventilation while maintaining a cost-effective strategy. The result is a modest yet thoughtfully designed home that blends simplicity and character.

Design Strategy: Light and Connection

The original ranch was dark and inward-facing, so the renovation focused on brought light inside and revealing views of the landscape. The addition repositions the house entrance to the center, moving main living areas toward mature trees on the west.

The new terrace extends these spaces outward, hugging the trunks of existing trees under their canopy. Custom steel and wood fencing continues the rhythm of the house facade, while a round pool serves as both a sculptural finish to the terrace and an observation point for panoramic views of the property.

Interior Layout: Privacy and Openness

Inside, the foyer was restructured to create a main bedroom with an eastern garden view. The custom bed structure organizes the room, separating sleep and work zones while maintaining openness and flow.

The kitchen, dining area, and living room form a flexible communal space. Large windows frame surrounding trees and the garden, linking everyday life to direct contact with nature.

A custom kitchen tile substrate emerged from exploratory plans, embedding the design process directly into the final building material.

Balance Between Simplicity and Details

Though the house volume remains modest, the renovation adds sculptural moments and carefully considered details that enhance its architectural voice. The round pool, tile patterns, and custom furniture underscore Balman Khapalova's thoughtful blend of functionality and artistry.

The Pine Lane House is more than a renovated ranch—it's an example of how modest homes can be reimagined as modern retreats deeply rooted in their places.

With the Pine Lane House, Balman Khapalova demonstrated how small interventions can have a big impact. By opening the outdated ranch to natural light, trees, and outdoor life, architects created a home that feels modern, warm, and deeply connected to its environment.

In Southerly, this project showcases how meticulous renovation can transform ordinary typologies into extraordinary architectural experiences.

Photos © Balman Khapalova House on Pine Lane by Balman Khapalova: Renovation of a Ranch Connecting Interior and Exterior Spaces