Montauk Beach / SAOTA / New York

Located between Old Montauk Street and the Atlantic Ocean, the Montauk Beach house by SAOTA is an elegant architectural solution for the harsh coastal terrain. Completed in 2023, this 980 sq m house is carefully integrated into the steep cliff, preserving the dramatic topography and visual structure of New York's coastline.

Nature-Inspired Architectural Concept

Designed by SAOTA, in collaboration with Cooper Robertson as the project architect firm, the house is oriented towards minimal impact. From the street, the building remains unobtrusive — only the upper portion reveals itself, resembling traditional Montauk rural farms. This approach allows for a low profile and respectful integration with the natural environment.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Facade Durability and Sculptural Appearance

The upper portion, resembling a rural farm, is clad in shou sugi ban, a wood burning technique chosen for both its strength and symbolic depth. This charred dark shell protects the house from Atlantic conditions while giving it a grounded, almost sculptural appearance. This contrasts with the lightness of the interior space, reinforcing themes of protection and openness.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Warmth Inside — Interior Design by Rafael de Cardenas

The interior design by Rafael de Cardenas adds a light contrast. Using light wood and soft color accents inspired by nearby dunes, the interior creates a feeling of calm and warmth. Textural variety reflects the dialogue between house and nature — darkness outside, serenity inside.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Spacial Sequence and Integration with the Landscape

The journey through the house is organized around movement and discovery. Entry occurs at street level via a modest threshold, gradually descending into main zones. As you progress, views of the Atlantic Ocean unfold, culminating in open living spaces elevated to capture panoramic views.

The house is organized into three main sections:

• Upper level, wood-clad, includes the entrance hall, study and main bedroom
• Lower level, granite-clad, contains guest rooms and relaxation areas
• Transparent central pavilion housing the kitchen, dining room and living areas

This glass volume serves as the light heart of the house, allowing plants and sunlight to penetrate inside, connecting internal life with coastal ecosystem.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Everyday Life: Kitchen, Dining & Living Areas

The center houses the kitchen, dining and living areas — they organize daily life around light, materials and distant views. Durable surfaces — stone, wood, glass — combine with refined details and carefully selected color accents.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Terrace Transitions and Outdoor Relaxation

Descending outdoor platforms continue the architectural line into nature. These terrace levels smoothly transition from house to garden, then to pool and spa — echoing the natural slope of the site and enhancing harmony between built structure and landscape.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Relaxation, Play and Solitude

Beneath the main living level are spacious relaxation zones where one can gather or find solitude — from games and movies to a quiet reading nook — always with the ocean as companion.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Private Spaces

The bedrooms on the upper level are inside a volume clad in wood, where arched ceilings and warm finishes create separate sanctuaries. Bathrooms receive light and views, combining durable materials with calm finishes.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Craftsmanship and Material Atmosphere

Interior spaces continue the material line of the facade — stone and wood — through moments of craftsmanship: stair railings, kitchen cabinets and furniture elements that seem both custom-fitted and durable.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Roofs, Balconies and Horizontal Lines

Upper terraces and balconies extend space to the roof, establishing a connection between sky, sea and house. Railings and glass maintain clarity while withstanding coastal conditions.

Photo © Thomas LufPhoto © Thomas Luf

Sustainable Materials and Passive Efficiency

Sustainability principles are embedded in both materials and methods. Locally sourced stone and burned wood ensure durability. Passive strategies — orientation, cross-ventilation and multi-layered shading — enhance ecological efficiency by reducing energy consumption in a climate-adapted style.

Movement and Social Space

Vertical movement is perceived as an experience — stairs, mezzanines and landings serve as small lounges and vantage points, creating a gentle rhythm between levels.

Photo © Thomas Luf

Overview

Contrasting a modest exterior with an expansive ocean view, the Montauk Beach house connects coastal functionality with refined domestic comfort. It is a home defined by synchronization — wind and light, openness and sanctuary — rooted in place but open to the horizon.

Photo © Thomas Luf