birdseye's lathhouse in the hamptons references traditional gabled farm structures

lathhouse, a sustainable building with a vernacular shape

richmond-based architecture and building company birdseye has completed lathhouse, a weekend retreat in the hamptons, new york. precisely located in sagaponack, the house reflects an agrarian context, with an architecture conceptually inspired by the eponymous lath house, a traditional gabled farm structure made primarily of wood laths or slats spaced to reduce sunlight while permitting ventilation.

by blending the local agricultural history together with a contemporary program, lathhouse results in a sustainable building with a vernacular shape.

images by michael moran

CLAD IN WOOD SLATS, THE DESIGN ENSURES PRIVACY WHILE CREATING SHADOWS

defined by a continuous hedge and anchored by mature deciduous trees, the plot where lathhouse by birdseye sits features a sloping topography where a two-story gabled structure oriented east west overlooks a spacious lawn to the south. a pool house, pool and tennis court complete the program, where the pool house mediates between the pool and tennis court activities.

the main structure is clad in a composition of slats which are both contextual and purposeful — they provide privacy screening, limit exterior light, and aid in solar shading. this slatting extends over the windows and skylights, and sometimes create inset juliet balconies in the bedrooms. the upper south walls end at a large second floor overhang datum, defining the indoor/outdoor experience.

‘the singular exterior material of weathered wood cladding reflects a timeless patina reminiscent of the barns and outbuildings in rural landscapes,’ said birdseye. ‘the siding is reclaimed from decades-old corral board fencing. the repurposed wood, electrically based geothermal heating and cooling, closed cell polyurethane insulation, mechanical fresh air system, and insulated high efficiency windows all contribute to the efficiency in the design and sustainability of the house. water collection is through a concealed gutter and downspout system and dispersed evenly to mitigate erosion. all lighting is LED.’

the lathhouse is the perfect refuge from the city. in the lower level users can find a guest guide, gym, wine storage, TV room, bunk space and mechanicals, as well as the living and dining areas and kitchen. on the upper floor, the principal bedroom and 3-bedroom suites with balconies ensure a comfortable stay. the pool house consists of a changing room, bathroom, lounge area and an open pergola sitting space.

the play of light and shadow created by the laths inspired the interior design and furnishing. the clean design aesthetic, scale and detail of bespoke furniture pieces and custom designed cabinetry reflect a depth of craft congruent with the architecture experience.