Quail Hill Residence by Bates Masi + Architects: Tradition Reimagined in Amagansett

  • Project: Quall Hill Residence
  • Architect: Bates Masi Architects
  • Location: United States, Amagansett, New York
  • Year: 2010
  • Area: 316 m2
  • Photography: Christopher Wesnofske

Nestled in the wooded landscapes of Amagansett, the Quail Hill Residence by Bates Masi + Architects presents a harmonious blend of traditional forms and contemporary innovation. Designed for a family with a growing art collection, the home serves as both a comfortable living space and a dynamic gallery, reflecting the clients’ appreciation for art that reveals deeper meanings upon closer inspection.

Design Inspired by Artistic Discovery

The design concept draws inspiration from the clients’ admiration for artist Vik Muniz, known for creating images that transform upon closer viewing. This theme of layered perception is evident throughout the residence, encouraging exploration and engagement with the space.

Innovative Use of Traditional Materials

Approaching the house, one is greeted by familiar elements: a gabled roof, substantial chimney, and shingled siding. However, these traditional features are reinterpreted with unexpected materials:

  • Shingled Siding: Crafted from woven oak surveyor’s stakes, echoing the wooded surroundings and adding texture to the facade.

  • Chimney: Constructed from thin concrete panels, creating a monolithic appearance that anchors the house to the site.

  • Stair Enclosure: A double-paned glass wall filled with seashells, offering a translucent, stone-like quality that references the nearby beach.

  • Fireplace Surround: Made from polished stainless steel military dog tags, reflecting fragmented images of the art and landscape.

These material choices not only pay homage to the local environment but also challenge perceptions, inviting occupants to discover the unexpected.

Structural Efficiency and Artistic Display

To accommodate large-scale artworks and family gatherings, the home’s structural system utilizes precast concrete panels typically used in foundation construction. These panels provide durability, energy efficiency, and a suitable scale for displaying art. Staggered walls with tall, narrow windows allow indirect light to permeate the space, creating a serene atmosphere conducive to both living and art appreciation.

Art filled open-plan living and dining area with large windows and modern furniture.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
Exterior view of modern residence with pool illuminated at dusk.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
Gabled modern home with pool and shaded outdoor seating area.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
Rear view of modern gabled home and landscaped lawn.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
White kitchen with large island and wood ceiling panels.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
Minimalist bedroom with American flag wall art and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
Vertical metal chimney against wooden shingle facade of modern home.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske
Contemporary bathroom with glass shower enclosure and deep soaking tub.
Photography © Christopher Wesnofske

Posted by Bates Masi Architects

Bates Masi + Architects LLC is an award-winning, full-service architecture firm with over 60 years of experience rooted in New York City and the East End of Long Island. Renowned for its meticulous attention to materiality, craftsmanship, and environmental context, the firm delivers bespoke design solutions tailored to each client's unique needs and aspirations. The practice is known for its thoughtful integration of research across multiple disciplines to enrich the built environment and elevate daily life. Their diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional projects across the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Whether urban dwellings, schools, boutique hotels, or custom furniture, each project reflects the studio’s philosophy of design excellence and contextual sensitivity. Since 2003, Bates Masi has earned 243 design awards, with features in leading publications such as Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Interior Design, and Dwell. The firm was honored as one of Residential Architect Magazine’s "50 Architects We Love" and was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2013. Their design legacy is documented in two monographs: Bespoke Home (2016) and Architecture of Place (currently available). Leadership Paul Masi, a native of Montauk and Harvard GSD alumnus, joined the firm in 1998 after working at Richard Meier & Partners. He brings a refined design sensibility rooted in modernist principles and contextual innovation. Harry Bates, the founding partner, studied architecture at North Carolina State University and began his career at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill before launching his own practice in New York City. In 1980, he relocated the firm to Southampton, and its current headquarters is in a custom-designed office in East Hampton.