Bell Estates

LOCATION: Amagansett, New York
DATE: 2020
TYPE: Ground Up

Design Principal: Nilay Oza AIA

 

An aggressively sloping site located on the downward side of a nearby bluff put forward extensive challenges in site drainage and potential soil excavation and/or retain. The two-gable structure, connected by a flat roof breezeway and overhang, converges at an angle relating to the pie-shaped property in an effort to maximize the open outdoor spaces.

To address the severe typography, the home was nestled into the site providing views, privacy at the converging roads, and retaining the soil while re-directing the natural runoff. The typography also provided the opportunity for the main gable to overhang at the end of the property creating a private walkout basement. The stepped decks and outdoor spaces were a design opportunity provided by the site, but it allowed the family extensive views, immediate outdoor access, and a variety of outdoor spaces to be enjoyed year-round. Executed by Oza Sabbeth Architects

Modern house with a wooden and white exterior, surrounded by trees and greenery, with a gravel driveway.
Modern house with wooden exterior, large windows, outdoor pool, surrounded by trees at dusk.
Modern house with wooden exterior, patio furniture on a deck, surrounded by green trees and a swimming pool with a light-colored deck.
Modern house with large glass windows and a wide wooden balcony, featuring outdoor chairs and a stone fountain with water on a bed of pebbles, surrounded by trees.

The main living areas were centered around the family and their wishes to be surrounded by the outdoors, along with plenty of moments to gather as a family and warm up during the winter. The main living room, with its tall vaulted ceiling and exposed steel plate structure, acts as the anchor to the home. The floating fireplace, held by an exposed steel beam that spans the width of space, offers a dramatic and warm center of the home. The wall above, clad in walnut, echoes the warmth of the fire throughout the space.

The adjacent courtyard acts as a rock garden with an opening above in the roof. The focal point of the home experienced from the main living spaces becomes ever more present whenever it rains. As you approach the home it captures you senses, first in the sound of the built water fountain pouring down the rocks and into the gravel, juxtaposed against the striking gable facade and private vegetation.

Interior living room corner with large vertical wooden slat wall, brick fireplace, wood logs, black armchair with white throw blanket, round leather coffee table with tray holding glasses and a gold cup, and wooden flooring.
Living room with white sofas, a dog lying on one, large windows, wooden floor, a telescope, and a large wooden slat wall.
Living room with a large wooden wall panel, white couch, a small armchair, coffee table, and a brick fireplace.
Close-up of wooden slats with sunlight and shadow patterns.
Main Level Plan
Project Massing
A modern architectural illustration of a multi-story house with a large sloped roof, glass sliding doors, and a deck, set against a natural background with trees and sky.
A modern architectural elevation drawing of a house with a sloped roof, large glass windows, a balcony with a railing, and a sloped driveway, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky in the background.