Residence On The Hill
The site for this waterfront residence is located on the
Great Neck Peninsula, facing west to views of NYC and
the borough bridges. When purchased, there existed a
50-year-old house and pool structurally condemned
which required immediate removal. Once the site was
cleared, a year was devoted to stabilizing the seawall
and hill to accommodate the newly proposed home.
The lot size, shape and relationship to an easement
access road, overlaid with strict zoning regulations was
a key factor in the organization of the client’s program
elements. The arc contour of the easement road and
required setback informed the front facade shape,
which was designed as a privacy screen, as adjacent
homes are in close proximity. Due to strict height
requirements the house from the street appears to be
one story and then steps down the hill allowing for
three fully occupiable floors. The local jurisdiction also
granted special approval accepting the design of the
garage, within the front set back, as its roof is level with
the roadbed and fully landscaped. A path accesses a
hidden door to the bedroom level of the house. The
garage is accessed through a semicircular driveway
that leads to a depressed entry courtyard, offering
privacy to the main entrance.
The configuration of the home is a U-shape surrounding a
rear courtyard. This shape, along with suspended pods
assures water views to all occupants while not
compromising privacy from the adjacent homes.
The house is constructed on a steel frame, clad with fiber
cement, resin panels and an aluminum curtain wall
system. All roofs are accessible as either decks or
landscaped garden areas.
The lower level accesses decks, an outdoor kitchen, and
pool area which are perched on the edge of the upper
retaining wall.
Love look