October 2024
Reference
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Hamptons, a remarkable architectural gem stands as a testament to innovation and design. The brainchild of Jenny Peysin Architecture, this house marries poured-in-place concrete with a glazed living space, redefining the boundaries of contemporary residential design. Completed in 2019 on the tranquil eastern end of Long Island, New York, the 8,300-square-foot (770-square metre) residence exudes a sense of harmony between the raw beauty of nature and the refined touch of human creativity.
Jenny Peysin Architecture's creation is more than just a house; it's a work of art that seamlessly weaves together form and function. The poured-in-place concrete envelope, a daring innovation for the studio, encapsulates the dwelling's circulation and sleeping areas. The concrete bar, which spans the length of the home, serves as both a finished facade and a structural marvel. Crafted with meticulous precision, the concrete mass features punched windows that provide glimpses into the interior's warmth and luxury.
According to Jenny Peysin, founder of the eponymous studio, crafting the concrete envelope was an intricate coordination process. Elements such as structural anchors, window frame recesses, and insulation placement demanded meticulous planning and execution, paving the way for a flawless concrete masterpiece. The formwork's wood grain is brought to life through sandblasting, and the artful mitred window trim accentuates the architectural details, showcasing the dedication to craftsmanship.
The juxtaposition of strength and delicacy is the hallmark of this Hamptons dwelling. While the concrete bar exudes solidity, the floor-to-ceiling glazed living space evokes a sense of weightlessness as it extends into the backyard. This luminous living space, aptly dubbed "the cube," encompasses the kitchen and living room. Enclosed on three sides by operable full-height glass, the cube fosters a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor recreation spaces.
Jenny Peysin explains that this open design promotes connectivity between the various living spaces, offering a visual link and a direct passage to the outdoors. The design ethos here is rooted in blurring the lines between inside and outside, fostering an environment where nature becomes an integral part of daily life.
Stepping inside the house, a sense of tranquillity envelops you. The studio's "less is more" approach sets the stage for the homeowner's extensive art collection to shine. The interiors emanate an aura of sophistication and authenticity, marrying contemporary aesthetics with a hand-crafted essence. Rift-cut European white oak graces the ceiling of the living space and bedroom floors, exuding warmth and timeless elegance.
Subtle bursts of colour punctuate the neutral tones of the house, with pink accent nooks and artisanal Bisazza cement tiles adorning the bathrooms. Skylights beckon occupants to look skyward, casting natural light upon the vanity spaces and the central stairwell, which boasts a breathtaking Bocci chandelier suspended from custom brackets.
Beyond the confines of the house, the landscape continues to enchant. A pool designed by the studio is crowned by an automatic translucent cover that ripples like water's surface, a stunning spectacle of motion and reflection. The pool house, featuring an outdoor shower concealed by teak slats, marries functionality with aesthetics, seamlessly integrating into the surrounding environment.
Beneath the house, an underground courtyard bathed in natural light connected to a basement media room by a delicate concrete stair. The studio's ingenuity is ever-present, providing a seamless link between outdoor space and the inner sanctum.
Founded by the visionary Ukrainian-American architect Jenny Peysin in 2016, the Brooklyn-based studio has solidified its reputation as a pioneer of modern architectural expression. This landmark project stands as a testament to the studio's dedication to pushing boundaries and reimagining the possibilities of design.
As Jenny Peysin Architecture continues to shape the architectural landscape, it is worth noting that their dedication transcends design aesthetics. The studio's recent volunteer work at a critical transit point on the Polish-Ukrainian border for refugees seeking asylum speaks volumes about their commitment to humanity and compassion.
With roots in tradition and eyes set firmly on the future, Jenny Peysin Architecture's Hamptons House invites us to explore the harmony between nature and design and to embrace the elegance born from innovation.