A sculptural woodland pavilion in Upstate New York becomes Vipp’s first American guesthouse and a new destination for design lovers
Photography by Eric Petschek
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
For third-generation co-owners of Vipp, Kasper Egelund and Sofie Christensen Egelund, expanding the company’s growing portfolio of architectural stays with the launch of Vipp Pavilion – the brand’s first guesthouse in the United States and fifteenth property worldwide – has been a labour of love.
Having flung open its doors in March 2026 amid the forested terrain of Upstate New York, the secluded retreat has been conceived by Los Angeles-based architecture firm Johnston Marklee and channels Vipp’s familiar design tropes, with sand-toned walls and polished concrete floors.
‘We met Sharon and Mark on our very first trip to the West Coast in 2015 and formed an instant bond,’ says Sofie Christensen Egelund, whose grandfather, metalsmith Holger Nielsen, established Vipp in 1939.
Photography by Pia Winther featuring Sofie Christensen Egelund
‘Vipp has always sought out ways to create interesting conversations between object and place, situating our products within real, livable spaces,’ she continues. ‘A shared passion for architecture has made the collaboration with Johnston Marklee especially rewarding.’
Set on the edge of a pond in Lumberland, roughly two hours northwest of Manhattan, the 111 sq m residence sits within sixteen acres of meadow and woodland. Its simple geometry mirrors the contours of the surrounding water, lending the house the tranquillity of a private woodland retreat.
Recognised for its conceptual approach, Johnston Marklee demonstrates a deft handling of texture and spatial calm, pairing smooth and ribbed stucco across the exterior – designed to catch moving arcs of sunlight throughout the day – and drawing guests into a curved, open-air courtyard of pale, sand-toned walls.
Photography by Pia Winther
‘Their practice has developed a distinct design language, creating generous, light-filled environments,’ adds Sofie Christensen Egelund. ‘It is an incredible honour to work with the Johnston Marklee team on our first ground-up project in the US.’
Inside, Vipp’s considered Scandinavian sensibility softens the building’s brutalist-adjacent character. Earth-toned travertine tables, wraparound curtains and textured upholstery are paired with anodised aluminium kitchens and polished metal detailing.
Reflecting the colours of the surrounding landscape – think moss greens, bark greys and the amber tones of autumn leaves – the living area centres around Vipp’s freestanding V3 kitchen, positioned beneath a circular skylight that casts pools of light across the walls and polished concrete floors.
Photography by Pia Winther
The furniture and accessories selection is equally refined, with a bespoke edition of the Vipp Swivel Chair launching in tandem with the property to continue the architectural narrative. Upholstered in pale grey leather, it draws its design cues from the pavilion’s stucco walls and features subtle perforations that echo the property’s three skylights.
From eclectic objects to ceramic vases and a carefully curated selection of books, Vipp has paired sinuous pieces with more rigorous forms to provide guests with a serene, design-led environment for relaxation and inspiration alike.
Meanwhile, floor-to-ceiling glazed doors blur the boundary between interior and exterior, with the latter designed by native landscape specialists Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, who have surrounded the guesthouse with regional meadow planting and a green roof seeded with native species.
Photography by Pia Winther
Framed by this landscape and Vipp’s familiar modern touches, the clean-lined design of this Upstate guesthouse stands centre stage, in striking contrast to the surrounding meadow and sprawling nature of Lumberland.
Of course, this is Upstate New York, where a network of hiking and biking trails makes it a natural destination for outdoor exploration. The addition of the minimalist Johnston Marklee-designed Vipp Pavilion is set to attract a new wave of design enthusiasts, too.
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Photography by Pia Winther
Photography by Pia Winther
Photography by Pia Winther
Photography by Pia Winther
Photography by Pia Winther
Photography by Pia Winther
