Resilient Design on Fire Island
On Fire Island, New York, the surf road beach house, known as the Surf Road House by Coughlin Scheel Architects, revitalizes an Ocean Beach home that withstood Hurricane Sandy. The revamped structure now includes a second story, expanding to four bedrooms with ocean vistas. Cedar siding and intricate wood detailing add distinct character while complying with coastal building codes.
Surf Road Beach House: Elevated Architecture and Ocean Views
Perched on timber pilings about 10 feet above ground, the surf road beach house integrates its elevation into a memorable approach. A long ramp and staircase, reminiscent of a beach-town stoop, lead to the main floor set 22 feet above sea level. The expansion involved navigating complex approvals that dictated the house’s growth.
Structural design elements include horizontal and vertical cedar bands breaking the building’s boxy exterior. Overhangs, awnings, and window frames create depth, echoing the natural tones of dunes and driftwood. Large windows face south towards the ocean, while a wood trellis and privacy screen on the Surf Road facade provide shade and seclusion.
Innovative Beach-Town Entrance
Incorporating the ramp and stairs into the surf road beach house’s design gives it a welcoming beach-town aesthetic, smoothly blending practicality with charm. Additionally, a spiral staircase next to the outdoor shower offers alternative access to the upper floor bedrooms, facilitating indoor-outdoor movement.
Wood-Centric Entryway Design
Inside the black-framed glass entry door, a wood-lined storage area is perfect for shoes, bags, and hats, complete with open shelves and black hooks. The entrance connects seamlessly to the living area, highlighted by a curved white soffit that contrasts with the slatted wood ceiling, creating a unique, welcoming space that exemplifies coastal architecture.
Living Room with Panoramic Ocean Views
The living room, accessed through the entryway, opens to ocean views through large black-framed sliding glass doors. The interior is furnished with light sofas and blue armchairs surrounding a dark coffee table, bringing hints of the ocean’s colors inside.
The room’s rounded furniture softens its linear elements, while white cabinetry on the back wall encloses storage without disturbing the classic color scheme.
Gathering Spaces: Kitchen and Dining
Adjacent to the living room lies the dining area, complete with a long wooden table and contrasting dark chairs beneath stylish white globe pendants. Sliding doors open to an outside dining area, where sunlight creates playful stripes through the exterior trellis.
The kitchen features white cabinetry paired with wood paneling and a coordinating island. A subtle, veined backsplash complements the serene palette, while a functional island, complete with seating for three, promotes an inclusive cooking and dining experience.
Seaside Balcony Retreat
Off the living room, an expansive wood balcony offers beach views and direct access via a series of timber lounge chairs. The space is partially shaded by a slatted trellis that casts a natural pattern on the deck, enhancing privacy with a vertical wood screen.
Sculptural Stairway in Natural Wood
The interior stairway, consistent with the home’s wood theme, features timber steps flanked by vertical balusters. Large windows flood the stairwell with natural light, highlighting the organic texture of the wood.
Upper-Level Seating with Scenic Views
At the top of the stairs, a built-in corner seat creates a cozy spot to enjoy panoramic ocean views. Sliding doors lead to the upper balcony, while white walls and wood flooring maintain a fresh, airy atmosphere.
Cozy Beachside Bedroom
Tall windows illuminate the bedroom, which is furnished with a wood headboard, bed frame, and a floating bedside drawer. The room’s simple décor includes white pillows, a cream cover, and blue bedding, offering a peaceful retreat with blinds for privacy.
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Bathrooms with Green Tile and Natural Light
Pale green rectangular tiles line the bathroom walls, their vertical layout giving the compact space a crisp pattern, enhanced by natural light from a high window. The space accommodates a shower and bath, with a wood vanity and a white counter adding warmth.
Minimalist Vanity with Speckled Details
A slim wood vanity fits neatly in an alcove, complete with a grey counter and white basin. The speckled backsplash adds subtle visual interest, accessorized by wall-mounted taps and a stylish mirror.
The surf road beach house by Alan Tansey exemplifies how coastal site challenges can inspire innovative design, achieving a balance of functionality, style, and harmony with its beach-town setting.
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
How has the Surf Road Beach House been transformed?
The Surf Road Beach House has been transformed into a coastal retreat with an added second story, expanding to four bedrooms with ocean vistas. It features cedar siding and intricate wood detailing, complying with coastal building codes.
What are the key architectural features of the Surf Road Beach House?
The house is perched on timber pilings about 10 feet above ground and utilizes horizontal and vertical cedar bands. It includes large windows facing south towards the ocean and a wood trellis and privacy screen to provide shade and seclusion.
How does the design of the Surf Road Beach House integrate indoor-outdoor movement?
The design incorporates a long ramp and staircase reminiscent of a beach-town stoop, along with a spiral staircase near the outdoor shower, allowing alternative access to the upper floor bedrooms, facilitating seamless indoor-outdoor movement.