Bates Masi + Architects LLC

Underhill

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO

UNDERHILL

Bates Masi Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
TL Studio

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Paul Masi

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Bates Masi Architects, Alicia Scanlon, Victoria Pryor

CONTRACTOR
Qualico Contracting Corp.

MANUFACTURERS
Benjamin Moore, Arcadia Custom, Thompkins

ENGINEER
Steven Maresca

AREA
6340 FT²

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Matinecock, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

Socially and professionally a couple desired to live in an urban environment.

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO

However, living in the city didn’t afford the lifestyle they wanted for their children as they approached school age.

To compromise between remaining close to the city while raising their family, they relocated to the suburbs.

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO

Their goal was to create a strong sense of place in an environment with close neighbors on all sides of their property. The history of the community they chose, an early Quaker settlement, inspired the solution.

Based on the Quaker tenants of simplicity, humility, and inner focus, the house is broken into a series of modest gabled structures, each one focused inward on its own garden courtyard instead of out to the surrounding neighbors.

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO

The simplicity of each courtyard distills the experience of nature, encouraging one to appreciate its subtleties.

Every interior space is connected to the exterior on two sides. The layering of spaces from exterior to interior to courtyard collapses the boundaries between them.

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO

From selected vantage points, one may see across multiple spaces and courtyards to framed views beyond. Each volume has a sculpted roof that funnels light and air into the center of the structure.

The detailing of materials accentuates the central courtyard. The oak floor and weathered oak ceiling boards both radiate outwards from the center.

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO

The floor and ceiling boards are custom cut in width and mitered to trace continuously and concentrically around the courtyard.

Weathered metal straps on the ceiling further emphasize this geometry and act as a device to organize lighting and audiovisual equipment throughout the house.

Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO


Underhill
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO
Underhill
© Michael Moran / OTTO


Underhill
Floor Plan

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