This proposed beach house is located in Amagansett, NY. Conceived as a split-level residence that works in tandem with the site’s topography, the goals of the project are two-fold: to create a beautiful dwelling that maximizes the view of the ocean and to use its substructure as a means of reducing the coastal erosion of the dunescape.
The composition and materiality of the building harkens to the mid-century Fire Island sensibility of clean lines and simple forms that direct views towards the ocean. These simple forms step up with the landscape in order to grant the kitchen, dining and living areas access to the pool deck, the bluff and the water beyond. The master suite sits on top of the living/dining area and is rotated away from the neighboring resort to enhance privacy and allow for an unobstructed view of the ocean.
The structure of the building is then used to preserve the dune crest with the positioning of the building plan along the dune’s contour line. A pile and lagging system reinforces the sandy terrain, and by tying it to the structure of the house, bolsters the integrity of the dune itself. The support of excavation sequence works not only to facilitate a safe and efficient space for construction, but it doubles as a permanent structural bulwark against site erosion.