A New Era for Coastal Architecture on Fire Island
The recently completed Surf Road House by Coughlin Scheel Architects stands as a testament to environmentally conscious design. Elevated 10 feet above ground, this seaside retreat on Fire Island addresses the challenges of building in a designated Coastal Erosion Hazard Area.
Cedar-Clad Beach House in Coastal Regulations
Located near the town of Ocean Beach, the property occupies a site where the shoreline recedes by a foot or more yearly, a concern highlighted by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation. The new home replaces a 1950s house, optimizing the original footprint under strict regulatory guidance to include a second story.
Architectural Elevation and Design
In response to flooding risks, the design incorporates deep wood pilings, extending 35 feet below grade. Its boxy, rectangular silhouette is softened by rhythmic elements like overhangs and pilasters, providing depth and shadow to the facade. This modern structure showcases the artistry in beach house architecture, blending form with function.
Explore how Dutch Forest Villa embraces nature with an innovative timber roof, echoing the cedar-clad beach house’s use of natural materials.
The exterior features a mix of vertical and horizontal stripes, and cedar siding in hues reminiscent of dunes and driftwood. This palette ensures the building harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
Coastal Views and Fire Island Traditions
South-facing windows offer sweeping ocean views, while a more opaque north side faces a pedestrian path. The entrance to the residence is reached via a cleverly designed staircase and a switchback ramp, enclosed by wooden slats, reflecting the island’s tradition of ferry arrivals and wagon transport.
Living Spaces and Island Rituals
Inside, the 2,200-square-foot home features a generous open-plan area for cooking, dining, and relaxing, flowing onto a beach-view terrace. An essential outdoor shower allows for sandy refreshment post-beach.
A bedroom suite is found on the first floor, while three more bedrooms occupy the top level. Both an interior staircase and an outdoor spiral staircase connect to these areas.
Interior Aesthetic and Utility
The interior mirrors the exterior with its white cabinetry, wood cladding, and slatted ceilings. A curved entry ceiling introduces a softness that complements the home’s linear architecture. Below the elevated structure, wooden screens house beach gear and bicycles, integrating functionality with design.
An example of timber’s elegance in architecture can also be seen in the Ebony Cedar Artistic Retreat on Orcas Island, which showcases the natural beauty of wood materials.
This innovative dwelling, captured by photographer Alan Tansey, is part of a broader architectural movement on Fire Island, showcasing resilience and adaptability in coastal home design.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
How does the Surf Road House address coastal erosion?
The Surf Road House is elevated 10 feet above ground to address the challenges of building in a designated Coastal Erosion Hazard Area. The site experiences a shoreline recession by a foot or more yearly, and the house optimizes the original footprint under strict regulatory guidance.
What design features help the house with flooding risks?
The design incorporates deep wood pilings, extending 35 feet below grade, to respond to flooding risks. Overhangs and pilasters provide additional depth and shadow to the building, mitigating potential water damage.
What interior and exterior aesthetics does the house use?
The exterior features a mix of vertical and horizontal cedar siding stripes in hues reminiscent of dunes and driftwood. The interior mirrors the exterior with white cabinetry, wood cladding, slatted ceilings, and a curved entry ceiling that softens the home’s linear architecture.