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Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

Hamptons home by Bates Masi features cantilevering upper floor

American firm Bates Masi + Architects took cues from a historic lifeguard station while designing this cedar-clad dwelling on Long Island, New York.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

Called Atlantic, the home is located in the Hamptons hamlet of Amagansett and is just steps from the beach.

Its design was influenced by a US Life-Saving Service station across the street, which was built over a century ago to help distressed mariners.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

"The station is part of a network of structures used to provide rescue and relief for shipwrecked sailors, and it was from this station that a guard once discovered Nazi invaders coming ashore during world war two," said Bates Masi + Architects, a local firm known for its modern beach cottages.

Clad in weathered cedar shingles, the historic station consists of a lookout tower, cupolas and elevated decks. Inside, large, open rooms have exposed beams from which boats and gear can be hung.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

"Taking cues from this structure, the design of the new residence strikes a dialogue with the landmark to enrich the experience of the new home and celebrate the local history," the studio said.

Topped with a large, flat roof, the rectilinear dwelling has an upper level that cantilevers over the ground floor. A window wall provides sweeping views and is shaded by a deep eave.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

Weathering steel wraps the base of the cottage, while higher up the exterior walls are clad in thick cedar boards affixed to bronze bars.

The team developed a system that enabled the wood siding to be hung without being fastened into place, allowing the boards to naturally expand and contract as the temperature and humidity levels change.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

The materials were selected for their proven durability in coastal environments.

"As each material weathers over time, the appearance of the siding will record the cycles of rain, sun, freeze and thaw," the firm said. The cedar will lighten, while the bronze will develop a dark brown patina and the weathering steel will further rust.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

Encompassing 3,000 square feet (279 square metres), the cottage has two guest suites and a family room on the ground level. A retractable glass wall fully opens up to the backyard.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

The upper storey contains entertaining and living spaces, along with a roof deck lined with glass railings.

"To minimise the impact of the footprint on the sensitive ecological environment, the main living area is stacked above the bedrooms, and, like the lookout towers of the stations, an even higher roof deck provides elevated views of ocean," the firm said.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

Inside, an exposed steel structure defines the main living spaces and forms a framework to which "other functions can be hung".

"The main stair is strung from beams above, and the rods used to support each tread serve as guardrail for the stair," the architects explained.

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects

Light fixtures and a swinging chair are also suspended from the overhead beams.

Other Long Island projects by Bates Masi include a home with sprung cedar boards that can be acoustically "tuned" and a dwelling whose form references the area's traditional potato barns.

More images and plans

Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects
Site plan
Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects
Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects
Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects
Atlantic by Bates Masi + Architects