Montauk House
How can an old house be remodeled while keeping the structure intact?
CAZA was commissioned for the gut renovation and expansion of an existing house built in the early 1990s by a contractor. Redesigned for an NYC surfer family—a couple and their two kids—the project embraces modular planning principles to create a flexible and family-oriented home. All the bedrooms remained in their original locations, while the kitchen was relocated to the central living space, forming a vibrant social gathering node that anchors the house.
Location
Montauk, United States
Research Areas Regenerative Health
Typology Housing
Size
Medium
Status Complete
Project Team Carlos Arnaiz
We consider each project on its own terms and develop tailored responses. Learn about our vision and mission.
A direct view was established along the north-south axis, connecting the foyer to the pool deck and ocean beyond. Along the east-west axis, the design employed parametric design strategies to remove an unused attic and introduce double-height ceilings with skylights, optimizing light and spatial flow. Finishes were updated to be light and contemporary, radiant flooring installed, and mechanical systems upgraded to LEED Platinum standards — enhancing indoor comfort and promoting regenerative health through reduced energy use and improved air quality.
The outdoor area was reimagined as an amphitheater of steps connecting the pool and deck, constructed with patented wood boasting the lowest carbon footprint. This design reflects a distributive network of interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling a seamless flow for both family living and entertaining.
Our approach is strategically driven and informed. Click here to learn about our process.
Inside, the pool deck aligns with the dining table, while the open kitchen features casual bar seating and island counters. A bar pantry and fireplace animate the sitting area, and skylit double-height spaces bring air and light into the five bedrooms and 5.5 baths.
By weaving together modular adaptability, parametric design precision, distributive networks of circulation, and a focus on regenerative health, the Montauk House becomes a light-filled, resilient coastal retreat designed to grow with its inhabitants.
