Location: New York, United States Year of construction: 2002 Architects: Bromley Caldari Architects Photography: Jose Luts Hattsmann
Fire Island, literally a sandbar, is just a 30-minute ferry ride across the Great South Bay from New York City. This residence is situated on the north side of the island, looking towards the continent, and safeguarded from the strong Atlantic winds. The island’s fragile ecosystem prevents the presence of cars, and wooden walkways replace concrete streets out of respect for the environment and the constantly shifting sand dunes.
A small walkway leads to the guest pavilion, followed by a barbecue area, a swimming pool and the main entrance at the far end. The home is composed of two large masses: the main house and the guesthouse. The main house consists of two bedrooms and a large social area that includes the living, kitchen, and two-story dining area that looks out towards the bay through an expansive wood-framed glass panel. The panel opens in its entirety to merge the living and dining area with the terrace, making it the perfect place for eating, talking, reading, or viewing the ocean. A few steps down from the porch, a small rest area also acts as a landing stage for incoming sailboats. The second building is a guest pavilion situated near the entrance beside the swimming pool. The structure, completely independent from the main house, also serves as a painting studio for the owner when the guesthouse is empty.
This unique construction uses materials not usually found in beach houses. The pavement was laid in brick, zinc panels were used in the wet areas, and cedar and pine panels were used with structural beams to create large, airy spaces within the home.
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This wood and glass structure maintains a constant relationship with the ocean, its transparent walls providing constant views of the horizon.