Residential ArchitectureHousesPromise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects

Architects: Bates Masi Architects
Project: Promise Land house
Location: Amagansett, New York, United States
Lead Architects: Paul Masi
Area 4135.0 ft2
Photographer: Bates Masi Architects

The owners of the Promise Land house 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. Whether relaxing at home or on a nearby beach, the owners are constantly searching for cues that the environmental conditions are optimal to get on the water.

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 1

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.

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 2

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. 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.

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 4

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

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 5

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 traverse through the site, the wind picks up scents along the way and carries them into the spaces.

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 6

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.

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 6

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 7

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 8

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 9

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 10

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 11

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 12

Promise Land House in Amagansett by Bates Masi Architects 13

Subscribe to our newsletter

Weatherboard Bungalow Turned into Modern Family Home

The project is driven by the clients vision to restore and preserve a beautiful doubly storey weatherboard bungalow in Williamstown.

Light Filled Duplex by Axis Mundi Design

Designer: Axis Mundi Design LLC Project: Light Filled Duplex Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Location: Meatpacking District, Manhattan, New York City, US Photographer: Mikiko...

Traditional Basque House Converted into Two-Family Residence

The project involves the refurbishment of an old, traditional Basque house to convert it into a two-family residence. The project’s main aim is to strip out the property internally and to adapt it to the new occupiers’ needs, always respecting the architectural characteristics of this superb historical dwelling.

Mora Estates House in the Heart of Silicon Valley

In the heart of Silicon Valley, Mora Estates house boasts an amazing view of the Bay, and the rolling hills. The home is organized to best frame the view to the Bay in three parallel bands.

Nice Way Hostel Porto by Yaroslav Galant

The new Nice Way Hostel Porto located in a beautiful old building on Avenida dos Aliados, it's includes 32 rooms with eclectic center of...

Recommended Stories