Two hundred yards from the ocean, this modest compound is an interpretation of the suburban American Dream: a modestly scaled home with an above ground swimming pool and a backyard travel trailer. The 1500sf three-bedroom Shingle-style cottage in a wealthy Long Island area of large ostentatious houses is a countervailing tribute to the region’s ordinary vernacular and to popular culture in general.
The above ground 10’ x 75’ pink pool is clad in Corian; the first fabrication of Corian for such a purpose. Each long side is composed of seven panels with overlapping expansion joints to accommodate material movement. The corners have welded seams that further enhance its monolithic presence. The sleek contemporary lines of the pool provide a stimulating foil to the familiar traditionalism of the house.
The complete renovation of the main house introduces abundant natural light into an open floor plan, raises the roof, and adds dormers and a front porch. The master bedroom is on the first floor. On the second floor, eight built-in bunk beds for children were added in two rooms. It serves as a simple, comfortable summerhouse to foster a New York City’s family’s relaxed togetherness. The trailer, an Airstream PanAmerica with electricity and full plumbing, serves as guesthouse and pool house.