Work | Southampton Woodland Retreat
Southampton Woodland Retreat
Project TeamInterior Design: Citizens Artist
Architecture: Jason Thomas
GC: James Oneill
Landscape Archietcture: Araiys Design
Set within the wooded coastal hills of Water Mill, this residence was conceived as a grounded and enduring presence in the landscape. The three-storey home stretches horizontally across a sloping site, carefully carved into the hillside to maintain privacy while embracing expansive views over Peconic Bay.
Rather than imposing upon the land, the design restores and works with the site’s organic topography. By embracing the natural grade instead of reshaping it, the house sits comfortably within its setting — reinforcing a quiet dialogue between built form and terrain. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the rolling hills, but also supports a more balanced environmental orientation.
Photography: Douglas Friedman
Low-impact construction methods were central to the project. The building footprint was shaped around existing clearings and mature trees, minimizing disturbance to the surrounding woodland. Native plant life was gently restored, reinforcing the ecological character of the site and ensuring seasonal variation across the landscape.
The result is a site-responsive landscape that feels settled and timeless; a home that opens naturally to light, shadow, and seasonal change while remaining deeply rooted in the land.
Photography: Anthony Crisafully
