Shelter Island House Commendation
This project was awarded a Commendation For Transformative Reuse.
The Shelter Island Remodel reimagines a 1980s waterfront home whose piecemeal additions left it structurally compromised and poorly suited to contemporary life. A full tear-down would have been wasteful, while a new house would have been limited by zoning. Instead, the renovation extends the home’s life, creating a sustainable, resilient, family-centered retreat designed for multi-generational living.
The project begins with fundamentals—strengthened structure, upgraded insulation, and improved systems—to protect against coastal storms and climate change. These hidden layers create a quieter, more efficient house, while the plan was reorganized for clarity and openness. The kitchen becomes the social center, linked directly to a new deck. A corridor with an open-riser stair reinforces a dramatic land-to-water axis while accommodating a variety of storage.
The failing pool enclosure is reborn as a light-filled glass/screen porch with operable panels that open out toward the water. This flexible space hosts dining, games, and gatherings while attuned to breezes and changing light.
Inside, crafted white oak adds warmth and continuity, complemented by colorful tiles and fabrics that bring vibrancy and texture. A new brise-soleil tempers summer sun, welcomes winter light, and frames the landscape. Together, these interventions modernize the home, ensuring resilience and relevance for decades.
Photography: Devon Banks Photography
