Bridge House, nestled near Long Island’s Sagaponack Pond, stands as a testament to architectural innovation and ecological sensitivity, marking A+I’s pioneering leap into the residential realm. This sprawling 12,000-square-foot estate, a collaboration between A+I and Unionworks, graces the idyllic landscape of Bridgehampton with its distinctive design and subtle homage to the region’s traditional architecture. Resting delicately on the land, the residence is artfully elevated to safeguard the surrounding ecosystem and withstand the forces of nature, revealing a harmonious coexistence between human habitation and the natural environment.
Strategically conceived to address the fragility of the site, the house manifests a captivating interplay of three interconnected volumes, one elevated and seemingly suspended like a bridge, allowing the native flora to thrive underneath. LaGuardia Design’s meticulous landscaping, featuring indigenous grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, forms a biodiverse sanctuary beneath the structure, enabling the seamless passage of water during storms and coastal flooding.
The dwelling’s compelling architectural language, crafted with slender grey bricks and vertical wooden siding, stands as a distinct departure from the conventional shingle style, contributing to the distinctive character that distinguishes it from its neighboring Hamptons counterparts.
A+I’s vision of a contemporary abode with an unparalleled connection to its surroundings is realized through the strategic layout and thoughtful interplay of materials. The main floor, adorned with alternating grey bricks and expansive windows, seamlessly blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, offering a fluid transition to the multiple terraces.
Dark-stained, quarter-sawn wood gracefully envelops the façade, infusing the structure with warmth and character. The residence’s interiors, appointed with white oak-paneled walls and bronze kitchen cabinets destined to age gracefully, exude an understated elegance that complements the natural surroundings and resonates with the passage of time.
At the heart of the residence lies the enclosed bridge, a stunning architectural marvel that traverses the two grounded volumes and serves as the uppermost floor. Adorned with stained wooden planks, the bridge delicately hovers over the lower structures, forming a captivating pathway between the interconnected spaces. The interiors unfold to reveal a refined palette that seamlessly blends with the expansive landscape, while the suspended staircase, with its slender metal supports, adds an artistic touch that enhances the home’s distinctive character.
The living spaces, meticulously curated to ensure comfort and luxury, offer a haven of tranquility and elegance. Five bedrooms, including the primary suite, grace the bridge structure, while an additional four bedrooms reside in one of the grounded wings. The primary suite, featuring an exquisitely designed rooftop terrace, provides an intimate connection to the natural surroundings, inviting residents to bask in the stunning vistas and serenity that define the landscape of the Hamptons.
In the region renowned for its breathtaking residences, the Bridge House stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary architecture, embodying a seamless blend of modern aesthetics and ecological consciousness that celebrates the delicate balance between the built environment and the natural world.
Photos by Magda Biernat (https://www.magdabiernat.com/).