Embracing Montauk’s Heritage in a Modern Design
High on a hill in Montauk, New York, Bates Masi + Architects have created a striking family home that nods to the area’s agricultural history while embracing contemporary living. The site itself is steeped in history, once belonging to some of Montauk’s earliest settlers, with remnants of horse stables and workers’ cottages still visible in the landscape.
A mid-20th-century cottage once occupied one of the site’s most enviable spots, offering panoramic views of the lake, ocean, sound, and nearby nature preserves. The new homeowners wanted to maintain the modest look of this cottage and the open landscape while expanding the space to comfortably host a family of five year-round.
Stone Walls Crafting History and Function
Drawing inspiration from traditional livestock pens built from glacial rubble, substantial stone walls form the backbone of the new design. They rise through the home’s first floor, shaping the interior layout and supporting the upper level.
These walls also integrate into the sloping hillside, cleverly reducing the house’s perceived size from the outside. As they taper into the landscape, they create frames for views, illuminate interiors, link outdoor areas, and connect the architecture to the swimming pool.
To further explore the intersection of architecture and natural landscapes, Unique Metal and Wood Observational Tower offers an inspiring look at innovative design harmonizing with nature.
Clever Spaces Opening Up to Montauk’s Horizons
Nestled between two upper structures, an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen form the heart of the home. Large sliding glass walls vanish into hidden recesses, allowing the entire central area to open for uninterrupted vistas from sunrise to sunset.
Inside, stone walls define spaces, complemented by freestanding cabinetry and built-in shelving that foster a smooth transition between rooms. A subtle shelving unit divides the living room and kitchen without disrupting the open feel.
For more creative architectural designs, discover how How To Shade Bay Windows can enhance your home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Intimate Corners with Sweeping Views
Beyond the main living area, cozy spots enhance everyday comfort. A secondary dining nook, complete with built-in banquette seating, overlooks the pool, offering a serene escape. A separate living room invites relaxation with its tranquil water views. The stone walls’ texture and continuity extend outdoors, visually uniting the architecture with the pool.
Echoes of Tradition in Twin Cottages
Two shingled forms rest above a stone foundation, resembling the original cottages. With much of the first floor nestled into the hillside, these upper structures appear as modest homes gently perched on the landscape.
Each cottage is accessible by its own staircase, and a spacious roof deck lies between them. Their positioning lets each bedroom revel in optimally captured vistas—whether of the lake, sound, ocean, or nature preserves.
Spacious Bedrooms with Vaulted Ceilings
Inside, the bedrooms surprise with their vaulted ceilings. Custom wood headboards incorporate bedside tables and lighting into a streamlined design. Floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the rooms, transforming the surrounding scenery into dynamic, living art.
Bathrooms Harmonizing with the Modern Design
A bathroom continues the home’s restrained palette, featuring thick black-framed shower screens that mirror the home’s window frames. The bold, contrasting details emphasize the home’s architectural consistency.
This Montauk residence honors its historic site without mimicking the past. Leveraging traditional materials, iconic forms, and the dramatic hillside, the design nestles naturally into its environment. Expansive living spaces and family-friendly areas make it ideal for contemporary living.
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
How does the Montauk home embrace the area’s history?
The Montauk home embraces the area’s history by nodding to the region’s agricultural past and incorporating remnants of horse stables and workers’ cottages from the landscape.
What is the layout and design of the main living area?
The main living area features an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen with large sliding glass walls that vanish into hidden recesses, offering uninterrupted vistas from sunrise to sunset.
How do the stone walls contribute to the home’s design?
The stone walls, inspired by traditional livestock pens, form the backbone of the new design, shaping the interior layout, supporting the upper level, and integrating into the sloping hillside to create frames for views and connect with outdoor areas.