This beachfront home is nestled in nature, with fresh and salt water wetlands nearby. From the living spaces and decks are views over a private beach and Long Island Sound.
The owners’ interest in Japanese architecture is an influence. It is manifest in the timber framing, in the intricate details of the mortised joinery, curved rooflines and wide overhangs. The cedar roof and wall shingles formally tie the house to the many shingle style homes on its island location.
The front entrance opens to a central hall that extends directly through to the waterside decks and covered porches. This double height space acts not only as an entry and a connecting artery within the house, but is also an internal extension of the ocean side decks. Mahogany decking runs uninterrupted from inside to outside and the ceilings have the same naturally finished woods as the exterior overhangs. Outdoor and indoor space meet. It is as if you are out on the deck the moment you enter. This overlapping of internal and external spaces is achieved at a variety of scales throughout the building.