Reflecting an air of effortless cool and envy that Amagansett has in spades, Hamptons House sees the insertion of a contemporary home within its removed setting. Monica Fried Design and Thomas Heine Architect create a home openly connected to the landscape while remaining familiar and grounded in place.

As an offering to sit among the existing and recognisable sight of timber shingled homes, Hamptons House borrows a similar warmth as its predecessors in its applied materiality and refreshing lightness. Intended as the weekend and holiday home for its New York City-based owners, the spaces echo a casual and calm retreat – a setting further reinforced by the surrounding woodland greenery. Layers of transparency ensure a visual openness within and looking out, while timber adds a warming inner layer to the spaces.

Located within walking distance to the beach, the advantageously positioned residence replaced an existing building that had been left to ill repair on the site. While a distinct variance exists between the more traditional style homes in the area and Hampton House, the approach reinterprets a similar coming together of natural finishes and directed openings to take full advantage of the location.

Set between the amenity of the main town and the openness of the ocean, the overall formal approach reflects elements influenced by both. The light palette and tones capture the ever-moving water and subtly shifted sand colours. At the same time, the proportions and silhouette remain respectful to the existing and established rhythm of the streetscape. Classic pieces sit comfortably with more modern and unique finds, mixing brass, linen and stone for contrast and variation.