Fire Island Pines, New York
2008 - 09
The site for this house is unique: it is one of the few non-beachfront houses in the Pines that can be seen from a distance. It is on a high dune, surrounded by protected wetlands.
The tasks set forth by the owner were simple: create a distinctive profile and views of the ocean and sunset.
Our solution was to create a higher dune. The roofline gives the house shade as well as its distinctive profile; from some vantages the flat surface of the roof disappears entirely, leaving only the gesture. Lattice screens are open to the primary views (north-south) and dense to the cross views (east-west). The grooved siding further accentuates this lattice effect, blurring the line between house and wetland.
At night, the beadboard ceiling is visible from the walks when lit creating a warm lantern visible from afar.
Photo credit: David Joseph