Imagine coming home to a secluded property with the forest at your doorstep and the ocean as your backyard. 

The Peconic House is designed to be the ultimate weekend getaway home, a serene hideaway from the bustling New York City just a couple hours drive away. Situated on a sliver of meadow between the old-growth forest and the scenic Peconic Bay, this Hamptons property is built to overlook and maximize its gorgeous waterfront views. This spectacular 4,000-square-foot building and the 2,000-square-foot terrace was designed by New York-based architect and interior design studio Mapos.

During the initial design process, the design team at Mapos and their clients initiated a dialogue about preserving the Hampton's historic character while accommodating the scale and refinement of 21st-century living. The clients, a couple who had just purchased the five acres of land encompassing a sliver of meadow sandwiched between the lush forest and Peconic Bay, had grown attached to the property's existing habitats. To preserve as much of the existing nature as possible, Mapos was able to design a compound that left a minimal imprint on the land. The result is a house that blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature with its low-slung proportions and a roof that camouflages its adjacent meadows.

Materials were strategically chosen for the building - natural cedar, reclaimed ipe wood and Corten steel comes together to form a neutral palette that doesn't take away from the local vegetations and gentle coastline. The materials are intentionally left unfinished, letting its natural patina to slowly develop. Over time, the colors will further blend into its surrounding landscape. 

The 200-foot terrace steps down the hillock parallel to the residence, into a 75-foot infinity-edge lap pool. The large pool overlooks a stunning panoramic view of Peconic Bay, making it the optimal place to hang out with family and cool down with a quick dip in the summer. The large yard provides ample green space for a ball game, perfect for outdoor activities on warmer days. 

1. (Left) Unrefined wood is used throughout the interior of the house.

2. (Right) Windows are strategically positioned to frame the outdoor view.

Unrefined wood extends into the interior of the complex, evoking a contemporary cabin feel to the interior with the ability to soothe and relax. The color palette is kept neutral to preserve the desired look and feel. Minimal decorative accents let the breathtaking outdoor scenery take center stage. To incorporate colours in the interior, windows were strategically positioned to frame the outdoor scenery, transforming windows into framed artworks of blues and greens.

The house exhibits an open concept design, allowing the views from either side of the house to be visible nearly everywhere you go. The forest side enchants with its fauna of lush greens while the bayside gazes out to the infinite deep blues. 

Whether you are a lover of the mysterious forest or the vast ocean, we can say for certain the Peconic House will bring you the best of both worlds. In a world so overtaken by insensitive residential developments, it is definitely a breath of fresh air to see innovative architectural designs like this one that respects its surrounding nature.

All photos courtesy of Mapos.

Project Details:

Architecture/ Interior/ Lighting design: Mapos

Landscaping Design: John Beitel

Location: Hampton Bays, New York

Completion: Spring 2016

Square footage: 4,000

Sustainability highlights: 3,000-square-foot green roof, SIPs construction; extensive reclaimed materials; LED lighting