Two sisters revamp a seaside abode in Fire Island, innovating the classic beach house design.
In the heart of Fire Island, a tranquil beach retreat has emerged as a homage to cherished memories. Commissioned by two sisters who spent their childhood summers nearby, the new residence stands adjacent to their childhood home – a rustic cottage. An outdated structure on the property was crumbling, posing a threat to their parents' land. To safeguard their heritage and create their dream refuge, they decided to acquire the property and transform it.
Architects Coughlin Scheel, based in New York, helped bring their vision to life. With a focus on contemporary interpretations of beach houses, the duo of Paul Coughlin and Annie Scheel have previously left their mark on Fire Island's distinctive modernist architecture. This sandy oasis on Long Island's south shore boasts a centuries-long tradition of coastal elegance, with residences by Horace Gifford and modernist gems like the Harry Bates-designed 612 Shore Walk, recently revitalized by Christopher Rawlins.
The sisters, now residing on opposite coasts – one in Manhattan and the other in Oakland – collaborated closely with the architects to create a cutting-edge take on the beach house. Inspired by a harmonious blend of past and present, the designers aimed to fashion a house that exuded a modern yet unpretentious aesthetic, seamlessly merging indoors and outdoors, and boasting abundant personal touches.
Determined to pay homage to their shared past while embracing contemporary design, the architects aimed to craft a home that brimmed with nostalgia yet brimmed with modern elegance, showcasing hidden treasures collected from beachcombing exploits. The architects relished the chances presented by blending the influences of ancient cultures with the constraints of the narrow site and the practical demands of constructing on Fire Island.
To merge indoor and outdoor living spaces harmoniously, the architects meticulously crafted multiple “liminal” areas – porches, balconies, and nooks that significantly enhance the living experience. The ground level is dedicated to bedrooms and bathrooms, while the social hub dwells on the upper level, maximizing picturesque sea views through verdant foliage. Rich, textured details, including cedar siding from the Northeast, structural elements left exposed, and bespoke interior elements, provide this residence with a multi-layered aesthetic, reflecting both its craftsmanship and emotional significance.
Upon completion, the sisters reported being overwhelmed by the cohesion between their sentimental reminiscences and the modern masterpiece that now stands in their beloved Fire Island. 'The residence embodies a family project,' the architects commented, 'a testament to our passion for designing living spaces that surpass mere structures, existing to be occupied fully and to reflect the unique character of their surroundings.'
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[1] The New York Times. (2021, August 18). Horace Gifford, Who Revived a Symbol of Post-War Boom, Dies at 95. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/18/realestate/horace-gifford-dies.html
[2] Dezeen. (2019, September 16). Bromley Caldari's A-Frame Re-Think fire island house by Bromley Caldari Architects. Retrieved from https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/16/bromley-caldari-fire-island-house-long-island-a-frame-rethink-hermitage-architecture/
- The sisters' collaborative project with Architects Coughlin Scheel highlights a stunning stone and glass home-and-garden design, blending nostalgia with modern elegance, while focusing on seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces in the heart of Fire Island.
- The recently completed Fire Island residence, commissioned by two sisters living on opposite coasts, exemplifies lifestyle renovation aimed at safeguarding heritage and creating a cutting-edge beach house, merging past and present to form a captivating home-and-garden haven.
