Bates Masi + Architects LLC

Promised Land

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects

PROMISED LAND

Bates Masi Architects

CABINET MAKER
D. Reis Furniture

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Paul Masi

MANUFACTURERS
Miele, Subzero/wolf, Arcadia Custom

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Bates Masi Architects, Elizabeth Bolognino

CONTRACTOR
K. Romeo Inc.

AREA
4135 FT²

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Amagansett, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The owners of this Amagansett property and their family have a passion for being on the water. Their interests (wind surfing, kite boarding, and sailing) share a common thread of dependence on the wind.

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects

Whether relaxing at home or on a nearby beach, the owners are constantly searching for clues that the environmental conditions are optimal to get on the water.

In researching weather data for this site, it was discovered that the predominant origin of the wind was from the west. This created an excellent opportunity to utilize the wind as a primary driver for organizing space and to treat the architecture as a canvas indicating its conditions.

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects

With a bias toward the wind, the program is organized about an east-west axis that divides the public and private wings. This axis is carried through the entire site, carving a narrow clearing through the forest that channels the wind while large sliding glass doors surrounding living spaces admit the breeze into the house.

The two wings are connected only by a circulation bridge, which can be completely opened to allow the wind to flow through the site without interruption.

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects

In parallel with the axis, and located between the two wings, is a reflecting pool, which acts as a barometer for displaying the status of the wind.

As the sun rotates around the house, it bounces off the rippled surface of the water and projects the character of the wind onto the ceilings of adjacent spaces.

The structural system is a series of exposed glulam wood beams running east-west with venting panels between each beam at the perimeter.

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects

To achieve large spans, the beams are joined by steel flitch plates that create a void for light fixtures. These same flitch plates also cantilever from the beams to support the thin profile roof that extends from all sides of the house. Together, these elements create a holistic system that reinforces the role of the architecture. The overhangs capture the wind, directing it through the venting panels and along the beams like a wind tunnel.

With the utilization of wind comes the opportunity for the landscape to contribute to the experiences of the house. Lavender, mint and other aromatic plants were introduced to the windward side of the property. As it traverses through the site, the wind picks up scents along the way and carries them into the spaces.

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects
Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects

Acting as a tool for highlighting environmental information, the architecture is dependent on the context.

However, without the unique interests of its inhabitants, this information is not useful. Because of their interdependent relationship, both place and lifestyle are enriched in a single gesture.

Promised Land
Courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects


Promised Land
Site Plan

Bates Masi + Architects LLC
T +1 631 7250229
Bates Masi + Architects LLC
132 N Main St #2, East Hampton, NY 11937, United States