Home from the sea shingle-style home by John Malick

Shingle style homes seen along the Eastern Seaboard evoke a sense of dignity and privilege. Emerging from the 1880s to 1910 as a reaction to overly fussy Victorian architecture, the now classic Hamptons look does exhibit a wealth of fine detailing of its own, reflecting the skill of the craftsmen who built the homes.

This wood shingle house was designed by architect John Malick for his sister. The brief was for a home much like the one seen in the movie As Good as It Gets, says Malick.

"In response, I created a two-story house that reflects many elements seen in Hampton homes, referred to as shingle style architecture," says Malick. "Besides the wood siding, features include a copper-roofed turret, intersecting gambrel roofs and a porch facing the water complete with Neoclassical Doric columns, crowns and beadboard ceilings. Other touches are multiple eaves, a small porch over the entry, coach lights and the use of clerestory windows.

"Here, the carport at the side has the look of an old coach house with elliptical arches, and siding that follows these curves."

"While the attention to proportion and dignified architectural forms are nods to classic Roman structures, other aspects of these designs are more pragmatic responses to the immediate environment," says Malick. "For example, the house is constructed largely in wood, the most readily available local material.

"Orienting the porch and the turret to face the ocean also has an historic precedent in times past this would have been invaluable when a family might have been watching for their ship and its cargo to come in."

The interior of the home is as closely detailed as the exterior and also provides an indication of another local influence.

"Prominent ceiling beams, paneled interior beams and touches such as the newel post with a raised cap and chamfered corners on the staircase all point to highly developed woodcrafting skills," says Malick. "In the 1900s it was often ship's carpenters who were building these homes, and the construction and finishes were an opportunity to showcase their talents."

Despite its presence, this traditional home is less than 3000sq ft in size, smaller than many other houses in this style on this coastline.

"For me it is not size, but authenticity that gives a house substance. The fact that it is in a smaller home can make the detailing there is seem that much more special," Malick says.

In terms of day-to-day operation, the living spaces and kitchen are on the ground floor, with the master suite occupying a wing at the same level. Upstairs are two guest bedrooms, and a study in the turret.

"This layout means the owners won't have to use the upper story much when they're older, future-proofing the home," the architect says.

Story by: Trendsideas