House in the Lanes, Amagansett, Long Island

Tucked away in a landlocked quarter-acre in Amagansett, the House in Amagansett is an architectural exploration of restraint and precision, influenced by traditional Japanese design and modern sustainable living. The client, a philanthropist with deep ties to Japan, envisioned a home that reflected her life abroad while serving as a peaceful retreat for herself and her family. At the heart of this project lies a respect for nature and simplicity. The house was designed around two existing, majestic crepe myrtle trees whose twisted trunks offer an organic counterpoint to the abstraction and simplicity of the building’s clean lines. The project also preserved the original swimming pool and many of the site’s original plantings. A local landscape designer worked closely with the architecture team to preserve these elements while adding native plants that attract birds and pollinators, further integrating the house into its natural surroundings.

Much like the client’s treasured collection of Japanese pottery, meticulously packaged in layers of paper and wooden crates, the house itself unfolds in layers. The dark wood exterior, inspired by traditional Japanese rustic buildings, is enigmatic—like the outermost wrapper of a carefully presented object. On approach, a metaphorical ‘moat’ and bridge lead to the front door, emphasizing a sense of arrival. This moat not only enhances the experience of entering the home but also allows natural light to filter into the basement spaces, creating a connection between the underground rooms and the outdoor environment.

Once inside, the house begins to reveal its secrets, with each space unfolding to showcase views of the landscape, the pool, and carefully framed moments of light and shadow. The contrast between the opaque exterior and the light-filled interior reflects the Japanese philosophy of gradual revelation. The simplicity of bleached oak floors and bright white walls provides a serene backdrop for the client’s curated collection of art and ceramics, many of which are handcrafted works she acquired during her time in Japan. As she explains, “Each piece has its own story, from potters I met in their home studios to galleries in Tokyo and Kyoto. They are objects I live with daily, and they are part of this house.”

Despite the home’s apparent simplicity, the design process was one of great precision. Every inch of the house was carefully considered, much like the design of a car—compact yet efficient, with no space wasted. The home’s layout balances the needs of privacy and openness on a small site, with close neighbors. Communal spaces, such as the living/dining area, screened porch, spa patio, and roof terrace, flow seamlessly, while private areas are intimate and quietly connected to nature. The house, which must function both as a retreat for the client when she’s alone and as a gathering space for family and friends, includes four bedrooms, a family room that doubles as a fifth bedroom, and a main-floor primary suite. With the influence of Japanese domestic life,  elements like the entryway for shoe removal and light-filtering screens reinforce the sense of calm and connection with the outdoors.

The client’s commitment to sustainability shaped many design decisions. The House in Amagansett is a ‘positive energy’ home, meaning it produces more energy than it consumes. A rooftop solar array, geothermal heating and cooling, and an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system ensure the house meets its energy needs while minimizing its environmental footprint. The home even includes an electric car charger, further reflecting the client’s future-focused mindset. What’s remarkable is that this house, though compact, is able to generate surplus energy — proof that good design doesn’t need to sacrifice sustainability. “It’s about living lightly on the land,” the client reflects, a principle she carried with her from her years in Japan.

The client’s love for Japanese art and craftsmanship is evident in every corner of the home. Dining furniture by the George Nakashima Studio, a sculptural wall relief by Malcolm Hill, and bespoke furniture by Mark Jupiter and Patrick Weder all contribute to the home’s unique aesthetic. Each piece is carefully chosen to complement the home’s serene palette, adding to its atmosphere of quiet contemplation.

The House in Amagansett is more than a residence; it is a personal expression of the client’s journey and her deep connection to Japanese culture. Blending the principles of simplicity, precision, and sustainability, the home offers a modern interpretation of traditional values, designed to thrive in the heart of the Hamptons.

Photography: Eric Petchek
Photo Styling: Katja Greeff
Drone Photography: Navajeet Khatri
Project Team: Robert Schultz, Veronica Patrick, Navajeet Khatri, Vrinda Khanna
Landscape Design: Beitel Landscape Associates
General Contracting: Flanzer Construction
Structural Design: DiLandro Andrews