Skyscraper architect William “Bill” Pedersen is seeking a buyer for his longtime retreat on New York’s Shelter Island. His internationally renowned firm, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), is behind some of the world’s tallest high-rises—from the 101-story Shanghai World Financial Center to portions of Hudson Yards in Manhattan. However his weekend home keeps a low profile—it slopes to meet the ground at one end, and it’s clad in natural materials to complement the coastal landscape.

“The house really blends into nature as much as possible,” Pedersen told the New York Times last year, “and almost creates a sculptural form that becomes part of the land, and not just sits on the land but rises from the land, almost like an island emerges from the water.”

Completed in 2005, the home reportedly took Pedersen nearly two decades to complete as he slowly mulled over options for placing the structure on the site, which he and his late wife, Elizabeth, purchased in the early 1980s. The final home was carefully designed to avoid obstructing the waterfront views of surrounding homes.

Douglas fir millwork and flooring." layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty" photoUserId=""/>

The residence measures nearly 4,700 square feet, and it offers three bedrooms and three full bathrooms, with the private areas situated on the lower level. The property also comes with 220 feet of water frontage along Gardiners Bay, as well as 2.92 acres of meadowland surrounding the home. The home originally listed for nearly $10M in 2020, however Pedersen recently dropped the price to $8,495,000. Keep scrolling to see more.

bush-hammered concrete walls, expansive windows, and built-ins." layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty" photoUserId=""/>

Gardiners Bay and the property’s 220 feet of private beach frontage." layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty" photoUserId=""/>

The choice location on a narrow strip of land extending from Shelter Island provides panoramic views of three distinct local landmarks: the Long Beach Bar Lighthouse to the north, Gardiners Island to the east, and the entrance to Coecles Harbor to the south." layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty" photoUserId=""/>

91 Ram Island Drive in Shelter Island Heights, New York, is currently listed for $8,495,000 by Lawrence Ingolia and Jonathan Smith of Sotheby's International Realty - Southampton Brokerage.

Project Credits:

Architecture: William Pedersen / @kohnpedersenfox

Construction: Wright and Co. Construction

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Architect William Pedersen Lists His Copper-Clad Shelter Island Retreat for $8.5M