Springy Banks
"Given the natural setting surrounded by forest and water, our goal was to create a house that would weather naturally on the exterior and blend timelessly. To continue this warmth once inside we chose a palette of warm but muted oak. We worked with a millworker to finalize this palette and looked to MADERA’s floor products to match the walls and millwork that would take up most of the house. MADERA oak is on the floor and ceiling in key places."
Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects took their primary inspiration from the natural setting and the history of this harbor front area on the East End. The property originally belonged to the Duke Estate, and was next door to the Boys and Girls Harbor, a camp for city youth. The waterfront properties surrounding the harbor once supported generations of farmers who shipped salt hay to Connecticut. Prohibition era rumrunners, boaters, and more recently boating pleasure seekers have all been documented on its shores. Before any settlers came along, this land belonged to the Native Americans, whose remnants of arrowheads are still being cataloged today. It’s an ongoing careful study that dictates where we can and cannot build.
Further complementing the natural surroundings of forest and water, the architect's goal was to create a house that would weather naturally on the exterior and blend timelessly. To continue this warmth once inside they chose a palette of warm but muted oak. They worked with a millworker to finalize this palette and looked to MADERA’s floor products to match the walls and millwork that would take up most of the house. On both floors and ceilings, the prime grade European oak exudes elegance, boasting over 3,500 square feet of 5 to 7 inch wide planks, spanning lengths of 8 to 10 feet.
The owners wanted this house to stand the test of time and allow them to enjoy the beauty of the land for generations to come. The architect successfully created a unique sense of place in collaboration with Laguardia Design group, the Landscape Architects, and Brad Ford ID, the interior designer. MADERA’s contribution added warmth and serenity to a palette of neutrals with pops of color derived from beautiful fabrics and art already in the owner's collection.
The architect knew they wanted to work with MADERA on this project because of the range of oak flooring available. They went into the design with a clear idea of the palette, including oak ceilings. They're very happy with the outcome, and MADERA’s flexibility in terms of board lengths. The expansive 7 to 11-inch floor planks, constructed with a 2-ply design and spanning lengths of 3 to 13 feet, ensure a seamless aesthetic throughout the space.
Enveloped by lush woodland and tranquil waters, the space invites a sense of tranquility and serenity, effortlessly balancing modern design with the innate beauty of its natural surroundings.
Finish: Catalog finishes | Regn, Sand
Design: Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects
Photography: Glen Allsop