Local architecture studio Bates Masi Architects has unveiled Navy Beach, a two-toned hillside residence nestled on a half-acre slope in Montauk, New York. Perched above the shoreline, the 2,000-square-foot (185-square-meter) home combines robust brickwork with light wood structures, capturing both the dramatic views and natural textures of its coastal surroundings.
Form and Function Respond to Land and Sea
Positioned along a steep incline and within earshot of nearby train tracks, the house required creative design strategies to manage sound and terrain. The firm addressed these challenges with a dual approach: heavy masonry on the ground floor for noise reduction and a visually lighter, elevated upper level to maximize exposure to ocean views.
“These strategies create distinct architectural languages which enhance the experience of the home,” the team shared.
The upper level features a layered façade made up of a wooden structural frame, a cedar weather barrier, and floating cedar dowels mounted with friction-fit wood pegs. This triple-layered configuration lightens the visual footprint while creating depth and texture.
Inside, warm fir wood panels span walls, ceilings, and millwork, establishing visual continuity without distracting from the expansive ocean views. The sea-facing corner opens entirely through floor-to-ceiling glazed panels, which slide into the walls. These laminated glass doors also serve as a sound buffer and hurricane shield.
A Material Palette Rooted in Place
The base level, partially embedded into the slope, features dark vertical brick masonry designed to absorb and deflect sound from the railway. The design also draws inspiration from manganese garnett, a mineral native to the region, with its purplish-brown hue mimicked in the brickwork. These bricks are also embedded with sand, connecting the home further to its natural context.
The base houses mechanical systems and service areas, tucked into the hillside to maintain a clean, unobstructed main floor. The masonry continues inside, where rust-colored walls and polished floors echo the exterior’s earthy palette. Adjacent storage buildings also utilize the same textured brickwork, ensuring a cohesive material narrative.
The outdoor pool sits at the corner of the home, adjacent to the main living space. With its rounded waterfall edge, it creates a tranquil focal point while offering panoramic water views. Also, a terrace tucked into the slope provides a secluded outdoor dining area.
“We aimed to create a dialogue between the architecture and the landscape,” the firm noted. “From the pool perched above the masonry to the shaded terrace below, each element amplifies the home’s connection to its surroundings.”
Continuing a Legacy of Waterfront Architecture
Navy Beach is the latest addition to Bates Masi’s portfolio of oceanfront residences, which includes a Sagaponack home raised above floodwaters, a Long Island retreat crowned by a rooftop pool, and a wood-slat-wrapped home in Annapolis.
All materials in Navy Beach were left untreated, allowing natural weathering to reflect the passage of time and seasons—a subtle but powerful design decision that underscores the house’s harmony with its environment.
