Stunning views of the Atlantic set the tone for this residential compound in East Hampton. Selldorf Architects’ design of the main house features an entire facade of glazing open to the ocean beyond. Below the entry grade, a cavernous concrete basement structure provides direct access to the beach by means of a walk-out patio. The below grade portion of the facade is visually separated from the majority of the living space above ground by a single shimmering band of stainless steel. This band hides within it a suspended lap pool that spans the entire width of the facade.
The lap pool is a remarkable feat of engineering on its own and is structurally independent from the building. It features infinity edges on three sides and has a transparent acrylic bottom. This is accomplished through the use of two post-tensioned girders hidden in the side walls of the pool that span 75 feet across the width of the site. The infinity edges require a perfectly level condition when the pool is filled to allow for a continuous waterfall edge. Careful tuning of the post-tensioned cables was critical in controlling deflections and achieving this effect. Surrounding the pool is a thin overflow tank that continuously recycles water back in.
The bottom of the pool has acrylic panels set into post-tensioned tie beams that connect the long-span girders. The translucency of the panels allows sunlight to filter down onto the patio below and act as a permeable shading system similar to a ‘liquid’ brise soleil. The post-tensioned girders, hidden in the side walls of the pool, bear onto underground concrete bunkers at either end of their span. One end acts as the dead end and the other end is connected by means of a Teflon-coated stainless steel plate that allows for the change in length of the girders during the post-tensioning process.
Above the pool-level patio, a uniquely designed steel frame structure allows for long spans, an open ocean facade, and green roof patios. Elegant wooden pergolas extend from the building toward the ocean. The assembly of differing structural systems and structural materials corroborates the architectural intent using a complementary visual language in its expression.
PROJECT TEAM – Architect: Selldorf Architects, General Contractor: Men At Work
