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Shelter Island, New York

Shelter Island House was completed under the leadership of Paul Schulhof at Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects + Partners

Set into the ground like a large outcropping overlooking the sea and the sky, the house is deeply influenced by the site. Paul Schulhof oversaw the design of the details, materials and execution of the project to ensure that the client’s vision was carried throughout the building.

The house consists of two building masses - the main house and the garage. Both structures are formed in cast-in place concrete and clad in large slabs of Brazilian granite. The garage sits at the top of a steep driveway. An acid etched light box extends from the garage to bring light into the recreational room below.

Above grade, the volumes function as separate entities while on the lower level the house can be traversed internally. A three and a half meter high retaining wall defines the edge of a courtyard. An outdoor room, created between the wall and house, unifies the volumes and frames a dramatic view of the water. A narrow opening between the garage and the site’s retaining wall leads to the front door. The larger volume contains the living spaces. Large panes of glass clad the west façade to grant views of Gardiners’ Bay. A terrace looks out like a prow of a ship. Stairs facing the water lead to the bedrooms below. On the interior, exposed concrete is contrasted with warm wood panels.

Awards:
AIA NY Merit Award

Exhibits:
8th International Venice Biennale
Exhibition

Featured In:
The Architect’s Newspaper
Casabella
The East Hampton Star
GA Houses
Materia Y Forma II
Oculus

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