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Montauk building typology of the low-pitched gabled roof is modified by the geometries of the allowable building envelope and height restrictions of the site. The ridge is offset and the walls converge, directing one’s view west to the lake. The optical illusion caused by the parabolic roof is visible on the South side and entices a second look, as do numerous other details.

Architectural details throughout the house occur at unexpected moments. A wood screen covered bridge unifies the two shingle clad volumes, allowing light into the grass paver courtyard below. The cedar screen of the bridge reads differently from day to night. It appears flat during the day, but, as darkness falls, light seeps out in an undulating pattern showing the wedge shape cut in the back of the boards. In front of clerestory windows, a milled bluestone screen is similarly detailed. The stone appears weightless as alternating stones are removed from the pattern to let light into the guest area. These unexpected details reinforce the larger idea of capturing the unexpected.

There is no prescribed path of circulation, encouraging different encounters much like the social experiences of Montauk. One can enter beneath the bridge and up terraced planter steps revealing the rolling hills and ocean in the distance. One can also climb the exterior entry stair that mirrors the interior stair, separated by a wall of glass. One can choose to enter into the house or continue to the outdoor fireplace, dining area, and out to the pool. The exploration resulting from unique circulation yields a different memorable experience for everyone.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

This limestone, steel, aluminum and glass house was erected on the foundation of an earlier one-story modern wood house designed by the Architect 35 years ago. The new owners, needing a larger house, wanted to continue the modern vernacular at this pond-front property. However, subsequent zoning dictated building only on the exact footprint of the original house. The new structure has two stories with a connected studio/garage.

The Main Entrance is a 2-storied skylit space with double staircase to the second floor. The living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, library, and two guest bedrooms with baths are on the first floor. The second floor has the master bedroom/sitting room with two dressing rooms, two vanity areas and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. Also on the second floor are an exercise room, massage room and skylit solarium at the top of the double stair.

All rooms open onto continuous walkways and terraces around the entire house at both first and second floors.

The interior flooring is limestone and carpet; large expanses of plaster walls accommodate the owner's art collection.

The studio and garage, also on an original foundation, are attached to the main house with a glass walled and roofed corridor. The swimming pool and pool house are located a short distance from the main house with its' own view of the surrounding pond.

in the landward volume overlooking the pool. By offsetting the volumes vertically and horizontally, the surface area of the compact design increases, allowing for more windows to admit light and westerly breezes. This slippage also creates intimate outdoor spaces for bathing, entertaining, and dining.

The views of Gardiner’s Bay that the family has enjoyed for the past 25 years are revisited. Frames create vignettes unique to each space. As a visitor, the sequence of views is choreographed to encourage exploration and further discovery. Snap shots of sky, sea and cliffs coordinate with different experiences throughout the house to create memories.

The deep frames in front of each volume provide privacy from neighboring properties while leaving the east and west facades open to views of the water. The frames create spaces that defy the conventional distinctions between indoors and outdoors. At the roof deck, portions of the ceiling and walls are omitted to create an “outdoor room” open to the sky and the landscape, yet more contiguous with the interior than a conventional deck or terrace. The screened porch is similarly open to the elements while remaining integrated with the sequence of interior rooms. The frames direct attention away from the house to the water views and surrounding landscape, further easing the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

By carefully intertwining spaces and materials with the landscape, the design creates an environment that the family will continue to enjoy for many years to come. The deliberate framing of the landscape has changed the perspective of the familiar view giving each family member his or her own unique experience.

in the landward volume overlooking the pool. By offsetting the volumes vertically and horizontally, the surface area of the compact design increases, allowing for more windows to admit light and westerly breezes. This slippage also creates intimate outdoor spaces for bathing, entertaining, and dining.

The views of Gardiner’s Bay that the family has enjoyed for the past 25 years are revisited. Frames create vignettes unique to each space. As a visitor, the sequence of views is choreographed to encourage exploration and further discovery. Snap shots of sky, sea and cliffs coordinate with different experiences throughout the house to create memories.

The deep frames in front of each volume provide privacy from neighboring properties while leaving the east and west facades open to views of the water. The frames create spaces that defy the conventional distinctions between indoors and outdoors. At the roof deck, portions of the ceiling and walls are omitted to create an “outdoor room” open to the sky and the landscape, yet more contiguous with the interior than a conventional deck or terrace. The screened porch is similarly open to the elements while remaining integrated with the sequence of interior rooms. The frames direct attention away from the house to the water views and surrounding landscape, further easing the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

By carefully intertwining spaces and materials with the landscape, the design creates an environment that the family will continue to enjoy for many years to come. The deliberate framing of the landscape has changed the perspective of the familiar view giving each family member his or her own unique experience.

in the landward volume overlooking the pool. By offsetting the volumes vertically and horizontally, the surface area of the compact design increases, allowing for more windows to admit light and westerly breezes. This slippage also creates intimate outdoor spaces for bathing, entertaining, and dining.

The views of Gardiner’s Bay that the family has enjoyed for the past 25 years are revisited. Frames create vignettes unique to each space. As a visitor, the sequence of views is choreographed to encourage exploration and further discovery. Snap shots of sky, sea and cliffs coordinate with different experiences throughout the house to create memories.

The deep frames in front of each volume provide privacy from neighboring properties while leaving the east and west facades open to views of the water. The frames create spaces that defy the conventional distinctions between indoors and outdoors. At the roof deck, portions of the ceiling and walls are omitted to create an “outdoor room” open to the sky and the landscape, yet more contiguous with the interior than a conventional deck or terrace. The screened porch is similarly open to the elements while remaining integrated with the sequence of interior rooms. The frames direct attention away from the house to the water views and surrounding landscape, further easing the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

By carefully intertwining spaces and materials with the landscape, the design creates an environment that the family will continue to enjoy for many years to come. The deliberate framing of the landscape has changed the perspective of the familiar view giving each family member his or her own unique experience.

in the landward volume overlooking the pool. By offsetting the volumes vertically and horizontally, the surface area of the compact design increases, allowing for more windows to admit light and westerly breezes. This slippage also creates intimate outdoor spaces for bathing, entertaining, and dining.

The views of Gardiner’s Bay that the family has enjoyed for the past 25 years are revisited. Frames create vignettes unique to each space. As a visitor, the sequence of views is choreographed to encourage exploration and further discovery. Snap shots of sky, sea and cliffs coordinate with different experiences throughout the house to create memories.

The deep frames in front of each volume provide privacy from neighboring properties while leaving the east and west facades open to views of the water. The frames create spaces that defy the conventional distinctions between indoors and outdoors. At the roof deck, portions of the ceiling and walls are omitted to create an “outdoor room” open to the sky and the landscape, yet more contiguous with the interior than a conventional deck or terrace. The screened porch is similarly open to the elements while remaining integrated with the sequence of interior rooms. The frames direct attention away from the house to the water views and surrounding landscape, further easing the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

By carefully intertwining spaces and materials with the landscape, the design creates an environment that the family will continue to enjoy for many years to come. The deliberate framing of the landscape has changed the perspective of the familiar view giving each family member his or her own unique experience.

in the landward volume overlooking the pool. By offsetting the volumes vertically and horizontally, the surface area of the compact design increases, allowing for more windows to admit light and westerly breezes. This slippage also creates intimate outdoor spaces for bathing, entertaining, and dining.

The views of Gardiner’s Bay that the family has enjoyed for the past 25 years are revisited. Frames create vignettes unique to each space. As a visitor, the sequence of views is choreographed to encourage exploration and further discovery. Snap shots of sky, sea and cliffs coordinate with different experiences throughout the house to create memories.

The deep frames in front of each volume provide privacy from neighboring properties while leaving the east and west facades open to views of the water. The frames create spaces that defy the conventional distinctions between indoors and outdoors. At the roof deck, portions of the ceiling and walls are omitted to create an “outdoor room” open to the sky and the landscape, yet more contiguous with the interior than a conventional deck or terrace. The screened porch is similarly open to the elements while remaining integrated with the sequence of interior rooms. The frames direct attention away from the house to the water views and surrounding landscape, further easing the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

By carefully intertwining spaces and materials with the landscape, the design creates an environment that the family will continue to enjoy for many years to come. The deliberate framing of the landscape has changed the perspective of the familiar view giving each family member his or her own unique experience.

in the landward volume overlooking the pool. By offsetting the volumes vertically and horizontally, the surface area of the compact design increases, allowing for more windows to admit light and westerly breezes. This slippage also creates intimate outdoor spaces for bathing, entertaining, and dining.

The views of Gardiner’s Bay that the family has enjoyed for the past 25 years are revisited. Frames create vignettes unique to each space. As a visitor, the sequence of views is choreographed to encourage exploration and further discovery. Snap shots of sky, sea and cliffs coordinate with different experiences throughout the house to create memories.

The deep frames in front of each volume provide privacy from neighboring properties while leaving the east and west facades open to views of the water. The frames create spaces that defy the conventional distinctions between indoors and outdoors. At the roof deck, portions of the ceiling and walls are omitted to create an “outdoor room” open to the sky and the landscape, yet more contiguous with the interior than a conventional deck or terrace. The screened porch is similarly open to the elements while remaining integrated with the sequence of interior rooms. The frames direct attention away from the house to the water views and surrounding landscape, further easing the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

By carefully intertwining spaces and materials with the landscape, the design creates an environment that the family will continue to enjoy for many years to come. The deliberate framing of the landscape has changed the perspective of the familiar view giving each family member his or her own unique experience.

vase holders, or flat surfaces for hot dishes. At other times, the tubes can be removed and the trough filled with ice for chilling drinks. For a change of pace, there is dining on the roof deck at sunset, barbequing on the terrace, lunch in the shade of the pool house canopy, or breakfast in the screened porch. Each space is unique, making each meal special.

Even the morning routine becomes an event. In the kids’ rooms, a ribbon of stone traces their morning ritual. Starting as a nightstand by the bed, it becomes a bench for their pile of clothes, a desk for checking their email, a sink in the bathroom, and, finally, the shower floor. In the parents’ master closet, hidden steel hooks pivot up from the mahogany bench to hang the day’s outfit choices.

The clients wanted this to be a gathering place for their family, full of memories for generations to come. Thus the materials were chosen not only for durability but also for their gradual changes over many years. The copper siding and roofing will slowly turn green as the weathering limestone becomes darker. However, the window system will stand the test of time unchanged. An English company has manufactured the same industrial steel windows for over 150 years and many early examples are still in tact. A geothermal heating and cooling system, green roofs, organic finishes, and triple glazed windows will minimize the structure’s environmental impact over the generations.

The clients look forward to many tranquil summers together with their family in the house.

vase holders, or flat surfaces for hot dishes. At other times, the tubes can be removed and the trough filled with ice for chilling drinks. For a change of pace, there is dining on the roof deck at sunset, barbequing on the terrace, lunch in the shade of the pool house canopy, or breakfast in the screened porch. Each space is unique, making each meal special.

Even the morning routine becomes an event. In the kids’ rooms, a ribbon of stone traces their morning ritual. Starting as a nightstand by the bed, it becomes a bench for their pile of clothes, a desk for checking their email, a sink in the bathroom, and, finally, the shower floor. In the parents’ master closet, hidden steel hooks pivot up from the mahogany bench to hang the day’s outfit choices.

The clients wanted this to be a gathering place for their family, full of memories for generations to come. Thus the materials were chosen not only for durability but also for their gradual changes over many years. The copper siding and roofing will slowly turn green as the weathering limestone becomes darker. However, the window system will stand the test of time unchanged. An English company has manufactured the same industrial steel windows for over 150 years and many early examples are still in tact. A geothermal heating and cooling system, green roofs, organic finishes, and triple glazed windows will minimize the structure’s environmental impact over the generations.

The clients look forward to many tranquil summers together with their family in the house.

vase holders, or flat surfaces for hot dishes. At other times, the tubes can be removed and the trough filled with ice for chilling drinks. For a change of pace, there is dining on the roof deck at sunset, barbequing on the terrace, lunch in the shade of the pool house canopy, or breakfast in the screened porch. Each space is unique, making each meal special.

Even the morning routine becomes an event. In the kids’ rooms, a ribbon of stone traces their morning ritual. Starting as a nightstand by the bed, it becomes a bench for their pile of clothes, a desk for checking their email, a sink in the bathroom, and, finally, the shower floor. In the parents’ master closet, hidden steel hooks pivot up from the mahogany bench to hang the day’s outfit choices.

The clients wanted this to be a gathering place for their family, full of memories for generations to come. Thus the materials were chosen not only for durability but also for their gradual changes over many years. The copper siding and roofing will slowly turn green as the weathering limestone becomes darker. However, the window system will stand the test of time unchanged. An English company has manufactured the same industrial steel windows for over 150 years and many early examples are still in tact. A geothermal heating and cooling system, green roofs, organic finishes, and triple glazed windows will minimize the structure’s environmental impact over the generations.

The clients look forward to many tranquil summers together with their family in the house.

vase holders, or flat surfaces for hot dishes. At other times, the tubes can be removed and the trough filled with ice for chilling drinks. For a change of pace, there is dining on the roof deck at sunset, barbequing on the terrace, lunch in the shade of the pool house canopy, or breakfast in the screened porch. Each space is unique, making each meal special.

Even the morning routine becomes an event. In the kids’ rooms, a ribbon of stone traces their morning ritual. Starting as a nightstand by the bed, it becomes a bench for their pile of clothes, a desk for checking their email, a sink in the bathroom, and, finally, the shower floor. In the parents’ master closet, hidden steel hooks pivot up from the mahogany bench to hang the day’s outfit choices.

The clients wanted this to be a gathering place for their family, full of memories for generations to come. Thus the materials were chosen not only for durability but also for their gradual changes over many years. The copper siding and roofing will slowly turn green as the weathering limestone becomes darker. However, the window system will stand the test of time unchanged. An English company has manufactured the same industrial steel windows for over 150 years and many early examples are still in tact. A geothermal heating and cooling system, green roofs, organic finishes, and triple glazed windows will minimize the structure’s environmental impact over the generations.

The clients look forward to many tranquil summers together with their family in the house.

salvaged and machined into new siding, fine scrim material, stair treads and risers. Reused, this cladding bears precisely the same patina as the other surfaces in the house – an effect truly impossible to achieve with new construction materials. Only on close inspection is new texture and color revealed at the boards’ freshly cut edges.

In enhancing the simplicity of the original design, a subtle complexity has emerged. Splices, cuts, and finishing techniques inflect upon otherwise homogenous materials, recording the methods of craft and workmanship. Over the next thirty-five years the patina that naturally accrues over time will continue refine the delicacy of these inflections.

salvaged and machined into new siding, fine scrim material, stair treads and risers. Reused, this cladding bears precisely the same patina as the other surfaces in the house – an effect truly impossible to achieve with new construction materials. Only on close inspection is new texture and color revealed at the boards’ freshly cut edges.

In enhancing the simplicity of the original design, a subtle complexity has emerged. Splices, cuts, and finishing techniques inflect upon otherwise homogenous materials, recording the methods of craft and workmanship. Over the next thirty-five years the patina that naturally accrues over time will continue refine the delicacy of these inflections.

gatherings. The fireplace surround reflects fragmented images of the art and surrounding landscape while its crystalline appearance defies its humble origins: polished stainless steel military dog tags.

Expectations were also subverted in the structural system of the house to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency. Behind the stake siding and interior gypsum board are walls comprised of precast concrete panels typically used in foundation construction. These durable and low maintenance panels are double insulated for efficiency and are a perfect scale for hanging large art. By staggering the walls slightly, tall, narrow windows admit indirect light and allow glimpses of the landscape.

By subverting expectations, this house encourages multiple readings that change, depending on time and perception. It turns this house into something more: an exploration of perception.

gatherings. The fireplace surround reflects fragmented images of the art and surrounding landscape while its crystalline appearance defies its humble origins: polished stainless steel military dog tags.

Expectations were also subverted in the structural system of the house to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency. Behind the stake siding and interior gypsum board are walls comprised of precast concrete panels typically used in foundation construction. These durable and low maintenance panels are double insulated for efficiency and are a perfect scale for hanging large art. By staggering the walls slightly, tall, narrow windows admit indirect light and allow glimpses of the landscape.

By subverting expectations, this house encourages multiple readings that change, depending on time and perception. It turns this house into something more: an exploration of perception.

Salt Cay is to become a unique resort that provides its guests with unmatched privacy, service, intelligent luxury, and unique experiences. It will achieve this not in spite of, but because of its sensitivity to the history, ecology, vernacular traditions, and natural beauty of the island. The architecture of the resort will be a backdrop that enhances the already unique experiences available on Salt Cay. The design is a singular idea that fulfills all of the resort’s goals. It enhances the sense of place, provides unsurpassed privacy, creates unique and therefore profound experiences, respects the environment, and does so with an economy of materials and resources.

Project Narrative Forthcoming

Project Narrative Forthcoming

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Project Narrative Forthcoming

Project Narrative Forthcoming

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Project Narrative Forthcoming

Project Narrative Forthcoming

Project Narrative Forthcoming

Project Narrative Forthcoming

Project Narrative Forthcoming

To accommodate the extensive program spaces are nested within one another. Operable partitions pull out from the walls of the living room, carving out a media room within the living room when privacy is desired. Conversely, with the partitions open, the media room merges with the living room for large gatherings. The thickness of the wall separating the dining room and kitchen is also cut away, utilizing its depth to accommodate a wine rack that also functions as a light fixture.

The process of carving is applied at the material and detail level as well. The 5/8” corten steel plate that clads the base of the house is waterjet cut into a delicate pattern that defies its mass. Inside, corian is employed for the ease with which it can be milled. Corian countertops are cut to form towel bars, bunk bed frames are carved to create ladders, cabinet doors are recessed to form handles, and wainscoting is subtly etched with meaningful words chosen by the clients.

Materials were chosen not only for their workability, but also for their durability in the coastal environment. Corten steel siding is zero maintenance despite being relentlessly sandblasted by the wind. Cedar siding and screens are finished using a Victorian technique in which the iron sulfate in a blend of white vinegar and iron filings reacts with the tannins in wood, creating an ebony finish that penetrates through the material and will not require refinishing. The lack of harsh stains or finishes reduces the ecological footprint of the house. Geothermal heating and cooling as well as vegetated roofs further reduce the environmental impact.

Using the design approach of sculpting away rather than building up, the house is pared down until the experience of the extraordinary site is dominant.

To accommodate the extensive program spaces are nested within one another. Operable partitions pull out from the walls of the living room, carving out a media room within the living room when privacy is desired. Conversely, with the partitions open, the media room merges with the living room for large gatherings. The thickness of the wall separating the dining room and kitchen is also cut away, utilizing its depth to accommodate a wine rack that also functions as a light fixture.

The process of carving is applied at the material and detail level as well. The 5/8” corten steel plate that clads the base of the house is waterjet cut into a delicate pattern that defies its mass. Inside, corian is employed for the ease with which it can be milled. Corian countertops are cut to form towel bars, bunk bed frames are carved to create ladders, cabinet doors are recessed to form handles, and wainscoting is subtly etched with meaningful words chosen by the clients.

Materials were chosen not only for their workability, but also for their durability in the coastal environment. Corten steel siding is zero maintenance despite being relentlessly sandblasted by the wind. Cedar siding and screens are finished using a Victorian technique in which the iron sulfate in a blend of white vinegar and iron filings reacts with the tannins in wood, creating an ebony finish that penetrates through the material and will not require refinishing. The lack of harsh stains or finishes reduces the ecological footprint of the house. Geothermal heating and cooling as well as vegetated roofs further reduce the environmental impact.

Using the design approach of sculpting away rather than building up, the house is pared down until the experience of the extraordinary site is dominant.

To accommodate the extensive program spaces are nested within one another. Operable partitions pull out from the walls of the living room, carving out a media room within the living room when privacy is desired. Conversely, with the partitions open, the media room merges with the living room for large gatherings. The thickness of the wall separating the dining room and kitchen is also cut away, utilizing its depth to accommodate a wine rack that also functions as a light fixture.

The process of carving is applied at the material and detail level as well. The 5/8” corten steel plate that clads the base of the house is waterjet cut into a delicate pattern that defies its mass. Inside, corian is employed for the ease with which it can be milled. Corian countertops are cut to form towel bars, bunk bed frames are carved to create ladders, cabinet doors are recessed to form handles, and wainscoting is subtly etched with meaningful words chosen by the clients.

Materials were chosen not only for their workability, but also for their durability in the coastal environment. Corten steel siding is zero maintenance despite being relentlessly sandblasted by the wind. Cedar siding and screens are finished using a Victorian technique in which the iron sulfate in a blend of white vinegar and iron filings reacts with the tannins in wood, creating an ebony finish that penetrates through the material and will not require refinishing. The lack of harsh stains or finishes reduces the ecological footprint of the house. Geothermal heating and cooling as well as vegetated roofs further reduce the environmental impact.

Using the design approach of sculpting away rather than building up, the house is pared down until the experience of the extraordinary site is dominant.