Long Island Sound House

Set on a deep cove off Long Island Sound , this 8500 square foot new residence is set right at the waters edge. The final design concept is open plan and modern, but emphasizes resiliency and sustainability.

At the end of a point with water on two sides, the site’s southern exposure creates glistening water and cove side panoramas, with kayaks, canoes and boats always in full view. The owners requested a house open to these full views, with further requirements for a minimalist modern aesthetic, no maintenance exterior, protection from storms, efficient heating and cooling, a textured palette of natural, resilient materials; and last but not least , bright sunny rooms for everyday family activities.

Because of stringent zoning and conservation setbacks , the buildable site became long and narrow. This created access and circulation challenges but also maximum glazing opportunities. Windows and doors were strung along the southern exposure for winter passive solar heating, but with overhangs for summer shading.

Because of more frequent storms and Sandy within recent memory, future flooding was of real concern. Instead of crawl spaces and flood vents, the grade was raised so the first floor met the FEMA base flood elevation. Allowance was then made for any future water damage by creating a flood proof ground floor. A geothermal hvac system was installed to eliminate equipment damage but also unsightly exterior condensers. Interior materials consist of insulated, polished concrete slab floors, fiberglass trim, mold resistant wall board, glass, steel and stone finishes. Exterior construction consists of a super -insulated wood and steel frame, with acrylic stucco on a continuous insulation system; triple pane, LoE, high R-value fiberglass glazing system, concrete, zinc and limestone finishes and a flat “cool roof” of white reflective materials, with hardware in place for future solar panels.