desai chia architecture renovates a cottage in watermill, NY

in watermill, new york, desai chia architecture has expanded a traditional shingled cottage home by marrying a new addition and a renovation project together. the design reorients the house to the garden, an existing swimming pool, and the bucolic views of the neighboring farm in order to reinforce the relationships between outdoor activities and the surrounding landscape.

the house is located in watermill, new york

the living area, dining area and kitchen were moved from the old cottage into the new addition to establish clear connections to the garden and pool. the addition creates a new main entrance to the house, drawing guests directly into the most socially vibrant part of the home. the first floor of the cottage was renovated and converted into a family room, home office and guest bedroom suite. the upper floor was renovated to provide larger bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a sitting area that overlooks the neighboring farm.

the architectural language of the original cottage was refined and simplified

desai chia architecture’s concept for the addition included a bold interpretation of vernacular forms and materials. the new addition offers an expressive counterpoint to the old cottage; its form is defined by a powerful, undulating, vaulted ceiling of structural framing that celebrates the living areas. the architectural language of the original cottage was refined and simplified with a new palette of details and lighting concepts to enhance the flow of light and space.

the renovation/addition approach adopted by the studio reduced the construction time frame, kept costs down, and met the sustainability goals of reducing demolition waste.

the new addition offers an expressive counterpoint to the old cottage

the living area and kitchen were moved to establish clear connections to the garden and pool

interior view of living area, with floor to ceiling windows providing ample sunlight

interior view of kitchen with structural framing, with worktops meeting the kitchen wall at an angle

the design reorients the house to the garden and bucolic views of the neighboring farm

the seating area

model of cottage and addition

site plan of renovation and addition

sectional drawing

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edited by: peter corboy | designboom

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