Dezeen Magazine

Three-winged 36SML House by Levenbetts has a driveway carved through its middle

A driveway cuts through one wing of this three-pronged house in New York state, which is topped by a roof terrace with amphitheatre-style seating (+ slideshow).

36SML House by Levenbetts

New York architecture studio Levenbetts designed the property for a couple and their three teenage children in Amagansett, a hamlet on the south shore of Long Island.

36SML House by Levenbetts

Named 36SML House, the house is divided up into three connected wings – one for the clients, one for their children and one for guests.

36SML House by Levenbetts

Each of the wings radiates away from the central axis at an angle, dividing the half-hectare plot into three courtyards, each designated for a different use.

One provides car parking space, while the other two contain a vegetable garden and a play area with a swimming pool.

36SML House by Levenbetts

At ground floor level, a driveway cuts through one wing to separate the garage from the primary living space. This creates a sheltered outdoor space that the architects describe as the "breezeway".

36SML House by Levenbetts

"The house re-configures the typical suburban lot organisation of the front yard and back yard," said the architects.

"Each yard is programmed according to its activity – a recreation yard toward the south with a pool, a garden yard facing west and an auto yard for cars, motorcycles and go-karts," they added. "The house becomes a three-spoke division between these yards."

36SML House by Levenbetts

A kitchen, a living room and garage occupy the rest of the ground-floor level, while the three spokes of the first floor provide separated bedroom and bathroom quarters.

36SML House by Levenbetts

The outer walls of all three wings are clad in panels of pale grey cement, intended to reference the mottled tones of the nearby beach.

36SML House by Levenbetts

The upper floor cantilevers over terraces arranged at the end of each of the wings, while a larger sun deck positioned over the breezeway features amphitheatre-style seating that steps up to a roof deck with views of the ocean.

The soffit for these steps gives the ceiling of the breezeway a faceted form.

36SML House by Levenbetts

Inside, floors and walls are finished in a combination of board-marked concrete and white oak, while the steel trusses and cross-braces that support the structure are left exposed.

36SML House by Levenbetts

Perforated aluminium screens shade the large expanses of glazing in each space from the worst of the elements. Both these and sliding glass partitions can be tucked into recesses in the walls to open the house to the gardens.

36SML House by Levenbetts

Upstairs, glazed walls are also used to frame the master bathroom, leaving it open to a private sun deck.

36SML House by Levenbetts

A bunkroom with its own lounge and terrace occupies a basement level that mimics the footprint of the living area.

Photography is by Michael Moran/OTTO.

36SML House by Levenbetts
Site plan – click for larger image
36SML House by Levenbetts
Basement floor plan – click for larger image
36SML House by Levenbetts
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
36SML House by Levenbetts
First floor plan – click for larger image
36SML House by Levenbetts
Roof plan – click for larger image
36SML House by Levenbetts
Section one – click for larger image
36SML House by Levenbetts
Section two – click for larger image