Family Home in East Hampton

Family home in East Hampton

Architectural firm Bates Masi Architects designed a private residence in East Hampton, New York, USA. The 325-square-meter property was built as a replacement for the clients' previous home, which was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy that hit the coastal lagoon. The clients sought to restore a strong emotional connection to their former home.

Additional materials enhance the sense of warmth in the interior, including bamboo plywood cabinets, large cypress slabs that connect indoor and outdoor spaces, and a bronze fireplace in the central communal area.

To comply with new flood zone regulations, the home was built at a higher elevation than the previous structure. This change in height is softened by a series of terraces along the driveway approach. On the waterfront-facing side, the house appears to float above the ground. Interior spaces are organized along clear axes that open views through the architecture to the surrounding landscape. These gestures ground the home in the landscape and strengthen the client’s connection to the natural features of their property.

Architectural recognition of history allows the new home to become a familiar part of the couple's life. Drawing on the clients’ memories, the new home becomes meaningful to them, restoring and reinforcing a sense of belonging.