This contemporary glass and steel home makes a modern addition to this wooded Shelter Island, New York setting. Architecture firm Stuart Parr Design made use of expansive glazed walls to bring lightness to the house while inviting views of the leafy forest in. The linear structure takes on a horizontal bridge-like form, featuring deep cantilevers on either end of its slim central base – the only part of this raised house plan that actually touches the ground. This design feature makes a minimal impact on the land while leaving the views from forest to waterfront intact.
This location is a nature lover’s dream – six rolling acres of nature’s best, dotted with trees and overlooking Peconic Bay. The adjacent forest softens this ultra contemporary architecture with its lush greenery. The base of the structure houses the entrance, leading up into these wonderful open concept interiors and views stretching out to the horizon. Like the modern house in this earthy setting, interiors too echo this balance between the contemporary and the organic, with cool glass walls inside and out contrasting the natural marble tile floors and warm, wood details throughout. A suspended fireplace feature adds warmth in terms of temperature and aesthetics, along with a cool, sculptural focal point.
On entry, you immediately find yourself welcomes into this fabulous entertaining area housing the living room, kitchen and dining room, which is tucked into a glazed nook overlooking a forested hillside. Seated at the long, simple wood table and surrounded by these views, you get the sense of dining alfresco without ever leaving the comfort of home. A gentle horned beast looks on as you dine, drink and discuss life.
Opposite the forest scenery, panoramic views of the bay are visible through floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glazing.
These ever-changing vistas are as beautiful at their summer peak as they are during their winter slumber. The scenes from the kitchen make preparing food and cleaning up less of a chore.
The bedroom enjoys total privacy, taking its place at the far end of this linear layout. But “private” doesn’t necessarily mean dark and disguised, as you can see. Like the public living areas of the home, this secluded spot is wrapped in glass walls that flood it with natural light, overlooking the water and the trees.
The bedroom boasts a slim glass wall looking into the adjoining bathroom.
The bath is a nature-inspired retreat, from its organic yet refined palette of materials to its breathtaking outside views. The marble floors, shower and tub enclosure are richly veined with blue and grey, streaked with swirls of white. Only nature can create something this stunning. Speaking of which, soak away the cares of the day in this deep tub while taking in the scenery.
You’ll get a good view from literally any point in this home, but if you’d like to experience it first hand, just step out into the lower level deck, with the water lapping at your feet and the tall trees towering overhead.
The linear layout of the home allows for an open concept organization while still allowing for privacy between these connected rooms.
Stuart Parr Design
