aamodt plumb architects: robust beach house on long island

aamodt plumb architects: robust beach house on long island
all images courtesy of aamodt plumb architects

exposed to extreme coastal conditions, a tough exterior shell protects this house designed by american firm aamodt / plumb architects. located on a narrow barrier island on the south shore of long island, only an hour and a half from manhattan. the property is regularly subjected to unforgiving weather due to its orientation – facing the atlantic ocean on one side and the shinnecock bay on the other.

‘the design had to reconcile this desire to openly experience the landscape with a real need for protection,’ says andrew plumb.

accentuating the views from both sides, the interior volume is open and light-filled with large expanses of glass on the north and south side. shielding spaces facing to the east and west, to provide privacy from nearby neighbors. a series of robust structural boxes, organize the building’s functions as each defines a different living space. an introspective garden space and stair hall enlivens the center of the home as intricate shadow patterns, created by water jet cut metal screens, move through the house as the day unfolds. turning a constraint into an opportunity the screens are more than just ornament, they protect the double-height windows from hurricane force winds. expanding the interior spaces a retractable awning system provides shade while opening the building to the outside. materials help to express the structure’s durability as mahogany, limestone, stainless steel and concrete feature throughout. concrete was mixed with locally-sourced sand and was left exposed on the exterior and the interior, taking advantage of its natural beauty and beach legacy.

view from the beach

living room

main stair hall

kitchen

second floor garden

exterior of metal screens

view to the beach

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