The BEACH HOUSE is located on a narrow barrier island on the south shore of Long Island. With exposures to the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Shinnecock Bay on the other, the property is subjected to extreme coastal weather conditions.

The design reconciles the desire to openly experience the landscape with a real need for protection. The result was to create a tough exterior shell with an open, light-filled interior. Concrete was used to create a series of robust structural boxes, each defining a different living space and focusing attention on the landscape. An introspective garden space and stair hall enlivens the center of the home. Intricate shadow patterns, created by water-jet cut screens, move through the house as the day unfolds. More than ornament, the screens protect double height windows from hurricane force winds.

Mahogany, limestone, stainless steel and concrete were all chosen for their durability. The concrete was mixed with locally-sourced sand and was left exposed to take advantage of its natural beauty and its legacy from the beach.





Architect:
Aamodt Plumb Architects
91 Harvey Street, Suite 2
Cambridge, MA 02140
Team: Andrew Plumb and Mette Aamodt

Structural Engineer:
Richmond So Engineers
85 Main Street, Suite 202
Watertown, MA 02472

Landscape Architect:
Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture
457 US Route 1, Suite 2
Freeport, ME 04032

Graphic Designer:
Constructing Communication, Irene Hwang
TwoPoints.Net, Martin Lorenz
Via Laietana 37, 4ª Planta / Despacho 32
08003 Barcelona, Spain

Photographers:
Eduard Hueber / archphoto
109 South 5th Street, Suite 401
Brooklyn, NY 11249

Jane Messinger Photography
101 School Street #1
Somerville, MA 02143