Peconic House

New York’s Long Island Hamptons communities have long been known for both costly real estate and equally expensive construction costs. This 1.62-hectare site on the Peconic Bay in Southampton was the rare local property that still has modest early twentieth-century unconditioned weekend cottages, making it a perfect site for thoughtful and environmentally responsible development. While the site has all the benefits of expansive waterfront views, the topographical slope is such that the house actually sits approximately 6 meters above sea level, protecting it from storm surges. The existing three cottage structures define the parameters of the new house site, limiting environmental impact further as no natural landscape will be adversely affected by the planned new construction.

SPG architects’ experience with both simplified architectural forms and modular construction methodologies became the springboard for exploring an architectural solution that incorporates a thoughtful approach to countering local (and national) trends toward escalating construction costs. Importantly, this solution solves all the family’s programmatic needs, including an open living and dining area, an expansive master suite, four upstair bedrooms with adjoining baths for their grown children and guests, with an adjacent sitting area and play room. The beautiful views to the north and east are the impetus for the building wings’ angles that gently splay open toward the waterfront. The use of architectural screens provides privacy from the neighboring sites; while the location of the pool behind the bay helps provide diversified outdoor experiences that are linked by the highly transparent first-floor living spaces.

This 465mq 5-bedroom house on the Hamptons' Peconic Bay is composed of two rectilinear wings that open toward the water with large expanses of glass. Unifying these two building elements is the central entry and vertical circulation core, that contrasts with the horizontality of the main living areas. The 2-story form is built with ten factory-built modular units, a cost-effective and game-changing paradigm in this high-end market. All site work, including the covered porches, garage, and pool area, as well as the siding and some interior finishes will be completed on-site by the local contractor. The seaside locale inspires the interior and exterior palettes consisting of greys, beiges, and taupes. Materials include cedar cladding, ipe decks, and porcelain terraces outside, and wide-plank flooring and lightly stained cabinetry inside. The exterior is punctuated by bronze-colored windows and a matching entry canopy. This environmentally sensitive solution transcends all preconceptions of modular construction with its spacious modern aesthetic, typical of an SPG custom-designed home.