AUDREY MATLOCK ARCHITECT
New York
audreymatlock.com

Project name: House in East Hampton
Project location: East Hampton, New York
Square footage: 4,500

This property was purchased with the objective of designing a modest renovation and attaching a small addition to an existing ranch house. During demolition it was decided not to save the existing house, and the project evolved to replacing everything except parts of the structural slab. The program was for a six-bedroom, six-bath spec, with large open interior spaces, a pool and outdoor living spaces.

The largest challenge for Audrey Matlock Architect in New York was the small size of the quarter acre lot in the village of East Hampton. The architect set out to maximize the usage of this lot without feeling cramped, and to create a private but open precinct surrounding the house. The lot dictated the garage be at the front of the house, creating another challenge. It was important for this element not to overwhelm the house.

Entry to the front yard is celebrated by a free-standing portal adjacent to the garage. A street-side courtyard contains a fountain and covered walkway leading to the main entry. There is also a rear courtyard, which is the focus of the house. The main living spaces and master bedroom ring this courtyard. The key to the openness of the outdoor space and house was the decision to maintain a one-story design with high ceilings.