This design project for a spacious family home was undertaken by the practice of Bates Masi Architects, in the high end residential area of Sagaponack on Long Island, New York. The clients’ specification was for a residence to accommodate their six member family and guests in addition to facilities including a pool, pool house, garage, sports court with enough space left over for a garden and lawn. The restrictions of the site, which was situated between the ocean and a freshwater pond, necessitated incorporating as many ‘green’ options as possible, a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling systems and non-toxic, low maintenance coatings on the cedar sidings and screens and the zero maintenance corten steel on the exterior.

This concept of a low carbon footprint was continued throughout the interior where the thickness of the floors, ceilings and walls were pared down to the absolute minimum. The floor to ceiling windows on the facade and rear of the structure open completely, allowing the seascape to enter the space and minimizing its visual impact on the site. The clients’ wish for open spaces for entertaining was addressed through the flexibility of the interior walls which open up to merge the living room and media room as well as the kitchen and dining spaces to provide areas capable of accommodating the most lavish events.

A sense of economy of space and materials was employed throughout the project without encroaching on the enjoyment of the occupants, who added a meaningful personal touch to the design element of the interior through their own words which are carved on the wainscoting around each room of the home.