Architects: KoningEizenberg Architecture
Area: 2500 ft²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Michael Moran
Manufacturers: California Faucets, Fireclay, Hevi-Lite, Marvin, Native Trails, Solar Innovations
Structural Engineer: Murray Engineering
Landscape Design: Patrick Conlan Landscape Design
Project Management: MontesBuild, Inc.
Project Team: Julie Eizenberg, Mandi Roberts, Lily McBride-Stephens, Kara Biczykowski, Hank Koning
Architect of Record + Civil: Sherman Construction Co.
General Contractor: Dan Loos Inc
City: Shelter Island
Country: United States
The Shelter Island House, designed by KoningEizenberg Architecture, is a weekend family retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Located on Shelter Island, NY, the house features mature trees, rolling lawns, and sweeping water views. The design emphasizes seamless integration with the environment, featuring a long, porch-like structure that offers shade and ventilation. Built during the COVID-19 pandemic, the house utilizes wood siding, concrete, and rooftop photovoltaic panels to enhance sustainability and craftsmanship. The project reflects a deep connection to the site and the client’s needs for a comfortable, contextual retreat.
The design of this weekend family retreat on Shelter Island, NY, created by KoningEizenberg Architecture, responds to the location’s wistful beauty. The site is characterized by mature trees, hedgerows, and rolling lawns that stretch to a narrow sandy beach and the water beyond. Sweeping views to the south and west encompasses an abandoned boathouse and a scrawny, windswept tree growing out of a crumbling concrete pier.
The owners, a family of four, have been vacationing on the Island since the early 2000s. They met the architects through family friends, remodeled their NYC loft, and developed a close relationship over the years. They knew the site well and identified their favorite spots to relax, emphasizing the importance of shade, an outdoor shower, large fireplaces, an outdoor BBQ, and good ventilation.
Considering the hot, humid, and often buggy summers, as well as snowy, blustery winters, the architects envisioned a building that would blend seamlessly into its setting. The concept of the house as a long, hovering porch emerged, emphasizing everyday ease and contextual sensibility.
Built slowly through COVID-19, the house now sits roughly where the unsalvageable old house was, with one end nestled among the trees. From the street, the house is mostly hidden. Only upon rounding the corner does it open up, revealing the porch facing the water. Posts set at four-foot centers support beams extending 30 feet back to the kitchen, where a clerestory above brings sunlight deep inside. Wood siding and concrete, used both inside and out, reinforce the continuity with the outdoors.
Subtle landscape modifications improved drainage, protected from flooding, and created an edge for increased privacy without adding fences. Cars are kept at the gate, well back from the house. A hedge and grove of crepe myrtles further filter views. Upon reaching the stone entry platform, the ocean view lies directly ahead, with the front door and porch to the left. A newly planted shade tree will soon temper the west exposure and create another summer hangout spot. Water is scarce, so permanent irrigation is not used or permitted.
The cedar rainscreen siding is quickly turning gray, gaining more character as it ages. Operable wood vents supplement airflow in the summer, and the low winter sun penetrates deep into the interior, adding warmth. Rooftop photovoltaic panels help reduce fossil fuel use. This house demanded high craftsmanship, and its success is attributed to the contractor’s expertise with wood.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Shelter Island, New York, United States
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
