An emotional connection
The clients of this new home had been living in a house built in the 1960’s designed by a disciple of Marcel Breuer, one of the “modernist masters”. The site is situated along the shore of a coastal lagoon, in East Hampton, USA, and became a victim of the storm surge from Hurricane Sandy. Distraught by the destruction of their home, the clients sought to rebuild in an effort to restore the strong emotional connection they had to the previous dwelling.
Through research and a careful examination of the previous structure, the qualities the clients admired were carefully considered by Bates Masi Architects. First and foremost was the simplicity and truthfulness of the former architecture. It was evident in its exposed steel frame connections and the use of contemporary technologies of the day. To build on these virtues, the new house similarly uses a steel frame to support a roof comprised entirely of Cross Laminated Timber panels. This new building system provided an ideal solution, as the panels provide long free spans, can be prefabricated, and bring a warm character to the residence when left exposed.
The transverse layering and honesty of assembly exhibited by the CLT panels are further reflected in the detailing in the home. Steel columns in the walls are meticulously revealed to highlight the structural tectonics at play. The cabinets are constructed of a bamboo plywood that shares a similar lamination technique, mirroring the architecture of the roof at a smaller scale. Additional materials seek to heighten the sense of warmth in the home, including large cypress boards that coalesce interior and exterior space, and a burnished bronze fireplace that anchors the central public zone.
To comply with new flood zone requirements for the site, the house is elevated above the previous floor level. This elevation change is softened on the approach side by a series of terraces. On the water side however, the foundation is recessed in the shadows so the house appears to float above the ground, celebrating its height. The interior spaces are arranged on several clear axes, which expand views to the water, and provide perspectives through the architecture to the landscape beyond.
