Nestled just two hours from the hustle of New York City lies a tranquil retreat that’s been decades in the making. For over 25 years, Brian Moss, of Brian Moss Photography, had been visiting his land in the Catskills, dreaming of the day he would build a home that embodied both comfort and connection to the outdoors. Today, that dream stands proudly: a private home that effortlessly blurs the lines between inside and out, where nature’s quietude meets the warmth of thoughtful design.
At the heart of Brian’s vision was a deep, wraparound porch—10 feet in depth and offering a full 360-degree view of his beloved landscape. But more than just a scenic feature, the porch was integral to his way of living. He wanted a space that felt like a true extension of the home, where you could pad out to the porch in your socks. “Indoor-outdoor living” wasn’t just a hopeful idea—it was essential.
“I basically wanted to build a very large wooden base, and then set the house on top of it,” Brian explains. “So, I needed something that would be perfect inside and outside, with a seamless flow.”
To achieve that vision, he chose Thermory Benchmark Pine for both the interior and porch floors. The consistent material and tone between the spaces give the impression that the walls between indoors and out have gently dissolved, creating a natural, comfortable transition throughout the home.
“I was always confident that Thermory would be the right choice and solution for me,” Brian says. His builder, Tom Coacci of Coacci Construction, was equally pleased: “Thermory was very simple to install. I’ve since recommended it to a few other builders.”
Why Benchmark Pine Was the Perfect Fit
Thermory Benchmark Pine was the clear answer for Brian—not just because of its look, but because of its performance. Our thermally modified wood offers the best of both worlds:
- Relaxed and Refined Aesthetic – With warm golden tones, eye-catching knots, and heartwood character, Benchmark Pine brings a rustic yet polished feel to any space. Left untreated, it naturally weathers to a stunning silvery patina.
- Built to Last – With over 20 years of rot resistance, Benchmark Pine is a low-maintenance solution for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s stable, durable, and exceptionally weather-resistant, even in harsh climates.
- Sustainably Sourced – Responsibly harvested and thermally modified without chemicals, this is a high-performance material with a low environmental impact.
Whether it’s used underfoot in a cozy interior or out on a sunlit porch, Benchmark Pine delivers both beauty and confidence.
The porch itself is framed by distinctive white pine log posts—another cornerstone of Brian’s vision. He searched far and wide for just the right look at the right price before discovering Lok -n- Logs in Central New York. They hand-stripped each log and pressure-treated them with borate to prevent insect damage. Brian was thrilled with both the craftsmanship and the value the company provided.
Although the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic initially put the project on hold, a follow-up from Jordan Russin—his contact and the owner at Russin—brought a renewed sense of possibility. With signs of stability returning, Brian seized the moment and committed to moving forward.
Jordan says, “Brian worked hard all his life to be able to one day design and build this house for himself. I was so happy to see it all come to fruition for him. He deserves it.”
Now, a year after moving in, Brian couldn’t be happier. Each morning, he takes a walk, then settles onto the porch with a book, listening to the birds and soaking in the quiet. The space he envisioned for decades has become a sanctuary—cozy, functional, and completely in tune with the landscape around it.
And lucky for us, he’s a professional photographer. Enjoy these beautiful views!
Image Credits: Brian Moss Photography
Architect: Nicholas A. Cichanowski
