A sustainable weekend retreat in a spectacular setting
Envisioned as a weekend retreat for a single father and his family, Mecox Bay Residence in Water Mill, New York has since become a great place for entertaining their ever present guests.
Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects were commissioned to build the Mecox Bay Residence on a spectacular but compact waterfront site, with relatively close adjacent structures and extreme exposure to the prevailing weather.
Flood zone requirements demanded that the house be substantially elevated above the ground, which enhanced the already spectacular views. A three-story wood louvered screen wall adjacent to the front door created a theatre of changing shadows and glimpses of life within.
The main floor, open on three sides to capture views and light, seamlessly connects a modest infinity edge pool and stone patio to the bay and ocean beyond. In contrast to the open main floor, the compact second floor provides five private family and guest bedrooms with decks and views.
Low maintenance, carefully detailed materials were chosen for tolerance of the harsh exposure including cement panel rain screen siding, glass and metal doors and windows, and vertical grain cedar siding.
Sustainability, important to both owner and architect, was addressed through the use of energy modeling, radiant heat, a substantial solar panel array, hybrid insulation package, high performance glass, LED lighting and carefully sourced finish materials.
Native, drought tolerant landscaping was utilized to firmly connect the sustainable house to its natural surroundings.
Despite overcoming both topographical and building restraints the architects achieved a modern sustainable weekend retreat for a family in the Hamptons.
Photography by: Matthew Carbone
