COPPER-CLAD ADDITION WINS AIA LONG ISLAND SMALL PROJECT AWARD
A copper-clad addition to a historically significant East Hampton estate was recognized with an ARCHI Award in the Small Projects (Under $300,000) category by AIA Long Island in 2020. The project was honored for its sensitive approach to expanding a 1917 structure originally built as a private theater.
The addition was designed to serve as a year-round sitting and dining space, incorporating modern HVAC while respecting the existing architecture. Rather than replicate the original high-pitched, slate-roofed form, the design introduces a modern flat-roofed structure at the rear of the home. Copper cladding, used in gutters and accents elsewhere on the estate, was chosen to create a distinct but contextually aware exterior.
Interior elements reflect the detailing of the original building, including wood paneling, a timber coffered ceiling, and a long central skylight. Existing bluestone pavers were reused to tie the new open-air terrace into the material palette of the home. Despite the compact scale, the design establishes a strong relationship between old and new—balancing preservation, contrast, and functionality.
The award highlights how small, well-executed interventions can enhance historic properties while introducing modern use and performance.
