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Bates Masi + Architects has sent us photos of a new home they recently completed in Bridgehampton, New York, that has its living spaces elevated above the ground.
A coastal lagoon’s narrow shape and adjacent topography funnel storm surge and wave action onto the scenic but low-lying site. Therefore, the architects took these conditions into account when they designed the home.

The elevated two-story house with ocean views allows the yard and its plantings to slide underneath and reach through the stories above.
A finely detailed continuous wood screen envelops this upper-level, while a network of metal stairs, bridges, and deck platforms connect the various areas of the home.
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Gardens, decks, lawns, and a swimming pool slip into the double-height void created under the house, reclaiming the outdoor recreation area given to an expanse of creekside native species revegetation.
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Four large courtyards puncture the upper level, illuminating the terrain below and permitting sea breezes to convect underneath and through the interior.
A series of large evergreen trees rise through the courtyards, their canopies commingling with the main living rooms upstairs and rejoining them with the landscape.
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Impervious metal panels clad the lower level flow-through walls to safeguard against both minor flooding and severe wave action.
Expanded metal mesh trellises suspended in front of those walls support a network of vines that reach upward, covering the lower pedestals in greenery and anchoring them into the natural surroundings.
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A covered outdoor living room overlooks the swimming pool, with steps connecting the various levels.
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The interior living room includes a wood ceiling with large operational sliding glass walls, while glass railings provide an uninterrupted view.


The living room opens to a small outdoor seating area which can also be accessed from the dining room.
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The dining area and kitchen share the same space, while the wood ceiling features recessed lighting.

The kitchen, which has a large island, also includes a butler’s pantry that’s tucked away out of view.
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A glass-lined hallway runs alongside a protected patio with a pair of sculptural chairs.
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In the bedrooms, a palette that includes woods and creams allows the view to become the focal point, and at the same time creates a calm atmosphere.
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In one of the bathrooms, a custom-designed vanity lines the wall, while the wood ceiling matches the other wood ceilings throughout the home.
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The home also includes a private outdoor shower for two and a freestanding bathtub.

Photography by Bates Masi + Architects | Architect: Bates Masi + Architects | Contractor: Breitenbach Builders
Source: Contemporist