Sagaponack Renovation

In Sagaponack, New York, PJCArchitecture developed a master plan to transform a traditional, coastal spec house into a new modern home designed for comfortable living and entertaining. The original floor plan consisted of three combined volumes with pyramidal roofs, yielding a series of disconnected spaces across varying levels that lacked cohesion and flow. An initial renovation, undertaken many years ago, sought to reconfigure and modernize the interior. The renovation was the first attempt to create a more cohesive plan. Several years later, the London-based homeowners called in PJCArchitecture to further create a plan that transforms the house to meet their functional needs. The work was completed in two phases.

In this first phase, the PJCA team began the design process by constructing an addition that connected to the existing three volumes of the home. It contained a core staircase to connect the levels of the house, resulting in a more cohesive structure. The sleek staircase now winds through the home and is flanked by a paneled wall that spans from the lowest to the highest level. The new addition increased the size of the existing living room and added a library/office, two guest bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a new primary bedroom with a large en-suite bathroom, dressing room, and a private exterior roof deck with an outdoor shower. To bring natural light into the primary bathroom without compromising privacy, PJCArchitecture installed a slatted horizontal trellis on the exterior of the house. This not only provided privacy for the primary bathroom but also added a unique architectural element to the corner of the house, balancing the overall design and massing. Large windows were strategically placed to connect the interior with the exterior. The team worked in conjunction with Sean Pinson Interior Design to procure materials and finishes within the addition.

The second phase was recently completed, in a final gesture to organize the overall home design. This phase involved relocating the existing dining room, which was on the lowest grade level of the house, to the level above, where it now connects directly with the living room. A new kitchen was designed and detailed, with direct access to an outdoor terrace through the folding glass ‘NanaWall’ doors, creating a seamless indoor/outdoor connection. In collaboration with ITALKRAFT, PJCArchitecture designed cabinetry and storage to preserve unobstructed sightlines to the lush exterior. An organically shaped wood table cantilevers from the large marble clad island, creating a striking and playful contrast of forms and materials. It’s a place to enjoy both cooking and the beautiful gardens surrounding the house. The clients' discerning taste in furniture ties the entire space together.

Both phases of work also included upgrades to the home’s facade and outdoor spaces. PJCArchitecture melded Hamptons charm with modern luxury, carefully selecting materials in harmony with the local vernacular style, such as cedar and naturally weathering teak siding. Custom copper metal gutters introduce touches of refinement, while every design decision thoughtfully balances the inherent coastal character of the neighborhood with a modern interpretation of Sagaponack’s iconic beach home aesthetic.