- Project: Mothersill Residence
- Architect: Bates Masi Architects
- Location: United States, Water Mill, New York
- Year: 2013
- Area: 560 m2
Nestled along a creek-front property in Water Mill, New York, the Mothersill Residence by Bates Masi + Architects masterfully intertwines historical preservation with contemporary design. The site houses two culturally significant structures designed by architect Andrew Geller in 1962—a small house and a studio—set amidst a diverse landscape of rare plantings, including a serpentine Yew garden and over 400,000 Siberian Iris.
Design Inspired by Coastal Boardwalks
Drawing inspiration from the elevated wooden boardwalks common in Eastern Long Island’s dunes, the design employs a continuous wooden path that connects the historic Geller structures with the new main residence. This boardwalk not only serves as a physical link but also becomes an architectural element, transforming into the floor, walls, and roof of the main house.
As described by the architects:
“Elevated, wooden boardwalks extending into the beachscape are a common occurrence in the dunes of Eastern Long Island. Hovering slightly over the ground, this simple device is a pathway to the beach that carefully negotiates a constantly changing terrain.”
Seamless Integration with the Landscape
The boardwalk meanders through the property, originating from the relocated Geller House in the Yew garden, winding around the serpentine hedge to a new swimming pool, and connecting to shaded outdoor living spaces. This path defines a new central lawn and culminates in a cantilevered deck that offers views of the sloping wetland and creek.
Material Consistency and Architectural Dialogue
All surfaces of the main house’s enclosure are constructed with the same wood decking as the boardwalk, creating a uniform material palette that blurs the lines between landscape and architecture. This consistency reflects the influence of Geller’s design and facilitates an architectural dialogue between the historic structures and the new residence.
