Fire Island House Suffolk County, Luxury Long Island home photos, New York real estate

Fire Island House in Suffolk County, NY

January 28, 2025

Design: Sherman Architects

Location: Fire Island, Suffolk County, New York, USA

Photos: Jason Schmidt

Fire Island House in Suffolk County, USA

Fire Island is a magical place. Only two hours from Manhattan, it feels like a world apart with its pristine south-facing beaches, accessible only by ferry. The absence of cars, the locals on bicycles, the houses connected by charming boardwalks, and countless deer wandering around freely–all contribute to its unique charm.

Coastal Sensitivity
This Fire Island House was completed just before Hurricane Sandy struck—a storm so severe it split the island in two. Despite being mere steps from the Atlantic, the house emerged unscathed, thanks to several key upgrades. The architects raised the house, deck, and pool on tall wood pilings, allowing floodwater to pass safely underneath. Additionally, the entire structure was clad in a hurricane-proof shell, featuring vertical cement-board siding, rust-proof metal roofs, and projectile-rated windows, ensuring robust protection against extreme weather.

Open-Plan Living
The Fire Island House is defined by its open floor plan, seamlessly integrating the interior with the newly designed deck and pool area. Expansive windows and glass doors invite the natural beauty of the island inside, creating a light-filled environment that is always in touch with its surroundings. The landscape connection is ever-present, offering unobstructed views of the ocean and dunes, making indoor spaces feel as if they are an extension of the natural environment.

The addition of a new wing to the second floor provides extra bedrooms and bathrooms, enhancing the home’s functionality. The reconfigured entry opens onto a new open-riser staircase, which forks to the kids’ rooms on one side and the primary suite on the other, for both privacy and connectivity.

Minimalist Aesthetics
The design concept for the Fire Island House is firmly rooted in the minimalism of a beach shack. Interior finishes of whitewashed fir boards and exposed beams contribute to a rustic yet refined aesthetic. Windows are strategically positioned to capture ocean breezes, enhancing natural ventilation. Clean lines, a beachy color palette, and natural materials create a serene and unpretentious atmosphere. Every element is meticulously chosen to enhance the sense of calm and to draw attention to the beautiful natural surroundings.

Outdoor Spaces for Relaxation
The house extends its living spaces outdoors with a series of thoughtfully designed decks, patios, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower, and a rooftop terrace. These areas effectively double the house’s usable square footage, offering numerous options for relaxation and entertainment. The rooftop terrace, in particular, provides panoramic views, making it a perfect spot for contemplation and scenic enjoyment.

Thoughtful Landscaping
The landscaping around the Fire Island House is a testament to understated design and environmental stewardship. Native shrubs, trees, and grasses are used to blend the home seamlessly with its coastal environment, preserving the natural ecosystem and enhancing the home’s connection to its surroundings. This thoughtful landscaping not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the environmental sustainability of the property.

The Fire Island House by Sherman Architects is more than just a residence—it’s a modern masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of sustainable living and the simplicity of minimalist design. It stands as an inviting sanctuary where the elegance of architecture meets the tranquility of nature, offering the perfect escape from urban hustle and bustle.

Sherman Architects
Sherman Architects is a full-service architecture firm based in Brooklyn, NY. Jeff Sherman founded his architectural practice in 1995. We offer architectural design, landscape design, and interior decorating–all under one roof. Though widely published for our modern additions to historic buildings, the firm has a diverse portfolio of projects that combine clean, understated detail with careful space planning. We have built a reputation for innovative design, meticulous bid documents, and rigorous involvement during construction. But these are only the means to a greater goal–extraordinary spaces that inspire the people who use them.

Fire Island House in Suffolk County, New York – Building Information

Design: Sherman Architects – https://shermanarchitects.com/
Completion date: 2017
Location: Fire Island, NY
Size: 4,500 s.f.
Architect: Jeff Sherman, while principal at Delson or Sherman Architects
General Contractor: Island Contracting
Structural Engineer: Thomas Reilly, P.E.
Expediter: Michelle Quatrale

Photography: Jason Schmidt

Fire Island House, Suffolk County, New York images / information received 280125

Location: Fire Island, Suffolk County, New York, USA

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