After discovering Resolution: 4 Architecture’s (RES4) modular designs in Dwell Magazine, a Brooklyn family reached out to the New York–based architecture firm for a prefab home of their own—a modern beach bungalow in North Fork, Long Island.

The clients, a couple with two young daughters, sought a retreat for short weekend getaways and summer vacations—and they also wanted the house to accommodate longer stays (up to six months) by the husband’s parents.

“The design intent was to create a simple and efficient multigenerational family retreat,” explains Joseph Tanney, Partner at RES4. “We started the design process knowing we were using prefabrication. Compared to our site-built work, we have found using a modular delivery method provides a higher level of prediction in costs and schedule, and has a much higher value proposition.”

Designed as a hybrid between a double-wide and a courtyard house, the 1,650-square-foot North Fork Bay House was prefabricated off-site as two modules. In addition to time and cost savings, prefabrication helped address the restricted building site, which has a very long and narrow footprint limited by FEMA setback regulations and zoning laws.

Although the home is not located within an official FEMA-designated flood zone, the clients were concerned about potential rising waters. To alleviate flood concerns, the architects placed the home atop a steel frame. The open ground floor contains parking, a woodworking studio, storage, a half bathroom, as well as an outdoor shower and lounge space.

“By designing the new home higher than the neighboring structures, the new elevation reveals a wider, more expansive view of the water over the neighboring homes,” adds Tanney. “Due to the deep setback from the water, direct views east and west look above the property fences and into the neighboring dense woods.”

Constructing the prefabricated house was a straightforward process—a RES4 prefab typically takes 16 months from the design stage to on-site completion—however, the sandy soil posed a challenge. A series of wood piles were driven into the earth to support the concrete grade beams for the steel frame and the modular, hurricane-resistant home above.

“The challenges of a limited building site are reduced when the majority of all materials have been assembled off-site,” adds Tanney.

To mitigate corrosion from the salty air and ensure minimal maintenance, the architects used durable marine-grade materials. The home features ipe decking, and its exterior is clad with a mix of Kynar-coated corrugated aluminum and natural cedar siding.

For the interior, the design team selected natural, low-maintenance materials that evoke “beach vibes.” The L-shaped, open-plan living area, dining room, and kitchen open up to the entry courtyard on one side and the expansive south-facing bayside deck on the other, while the three bedrooms and two bathrooms are located on the north side of the house.

“I appreciate the articulated simplicity of the building’s form, layout, use of materials, and detailing,” says Tanney. “The design packs a lot of house into a compact footprint with ample storage, expansive communal space, and sliding glass doors connecting to the exterior.”

Related Reading:

6 New York Prefab Companies That Prize Modern Design

The Future of Homebuilding: Half-priced Hamptons

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Resolution: 4 Architecture / @resolution4architecture

Builder/ General Contractor: Teresi Construction

Structural Engineer: Dominick R. Pilla Associates

Other: Simplex Industries

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