Bar House
Bar House
Audrey Matlock Architect
YEAR
2016
LOCATION
East Hampton, NY, United States
TYPE
Residential › Private House
The Bar House site is 13 acres of gently sloping land surrounded by forest. Access to sunlight and views informed our strategy to locate the structure at the site’s highest elevation.
Two linear volumes are stacked in perpendicular fashion to physically engage the landscape at ground level and to have views of treetops from above.
The landscape design on each side of the house is different.
To the south, lines of trees and plots of grasses extend the building’s formal order outward; and to the north, natural forms and native vegetation blend the house with the forest landscape.
The house sits lightly on the ground. In contrast to its natural surroundings, the building exterior has a machine-like quality.
Exposed steel structure, vertical sunshades and alternating glass and zinc panels are precisely detailed.
At the ground level, thin ‘V’ shaped columns that support the upper floor recall lanky forest trees.
Interior spaces are choreographed to reflect the family’s active lifestyle and love of nature while highlighting their contemporary art collection.
Throughout the house, artwork placement and landscape views draw parallels between manmade beauty and the natural surroundings.
At the lower level a dozen large paintings float between glimpses of the forest.
At the upper level, vertical sunshades soften the light along a linear gallery.
The design incorporates passive and active sustainable strategies.
Building orientation, south overhangs, east/west sunshades and green roofs are supplemented by geothermal heating and cooling and heated floors.
In addition to the building, the architect was responsible for the design of the interiors, custom furnishings and landscape.
