Situated on Fire Island, New York, Fire Island House has undergone a spectacular transformation by Andrew Franz Architect, introducing several enticing updates, including a new guest house and a refreshing swimming pool.

Nestled amidst a wooded site close to the beach, the residence draws inspiration from its surroundings and derives its name from the idyllic Fire Island, an Atlantic Ocean barrier island renowned as a sought-after escape for New Yorkers. The home was originally built in 1965 by modern architect Horace Gifford.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Andrew Franz Architect INTERIOR DESIGN Peter Dunham DESIGN CONSULTANCY Jamie Bush LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Tania Compton GARDEN DESIGN CF Gardens

The project team worked together to renovate the house as part of a master plan that included a new guest house, pool, exterior stair, new decking, and circulation paths, and relocated entry pavilion.

Despite its modest 1,200 square foot size, the house seamlessly blends modern and rustic elements, commanding attention with its striking yet uncomplicated cruciform plan. The deliberate contrast between solid piers housing “service” functions and transparent volumes for “living” areas creates an efficient and visually distinct composition.

Respecting the architectural prominence of the original landmark, the new guest house showcases simple geometry that pays homage to the larger structure while maintaining its individual identity. The strategic placement of windows echoes the solid piers of the original house.

Moreover, a new cantilevered stair adds a touch of ethereal elegance, seemingly detached from the main structure. Through consistent material choices, these new elements subtly blur the line between what is newly constructed and what is original, leaving room for intrigue and interpretation.

What We Love: There are so many magnificent elements that we are loving in this home transformation, from the cedar siding to the addition of the guest house. We particularly enjoy the contrast in weathering between the wood cladding on the interior and exterior separated by full-height glass. Overall, the project team did a wonderful job of preserving this historic piece of architecture while adding details to enhance and modernize it.

Tell Us: What are your favorite design features in this historic home renovation project on Fire Island? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of New York: House Tour: An absolutely dreamy countryside home in New York and An 18th-century New York farmhouse with a beautiful restoration.

The guest house addition references the original structure in geometry, cedar siding, and jalousie windows, yet without mimicking the original architect’s details.

The original house’s exterior underwent a complete restoration, featuring new cedar sheathing, copper flashing, and roofing. Internally, all wood surfaces, jalousie windows, and a new HVAC system were restored and seamlessly integrated. Thoughtful adjustments were made to enhance circulation and functionality, including the expansion of bathrooms, the restoration of the kitchen, and the preservation of a vintage fireplace.

To maintain the wild character of the compact property, efforts were made to clear out scrub and reintroduce native plants, grasses, and pines, promoting the flourishing of local flora, fauna, and pollinators. The outcome is a modernist house that exudes a sense of refined simplicity, embodying the architect’s approach of “doing more with less” .

PHOTOGRAPHER Albert Vecerka/Esto, Tria Giovan