Lathhouse by Birdseye: A Modern Interpretation of Agrarian Architecture

Lathhouse, designed by Birdseye Architects, is a contemporary residential project located in Sagaponack, United States. This 5,050-square-foot residence, completed in 2020, embodies a seamless integration of modernist principles, sustainable materials, and the historical agricultural aesthetics of the region. Featuring a distinct wood-slatted façade, the home draws inspiration from traditional lath houses, corn cribs, and drying barns, transforming these rustic elements into a refined architectural expression.

Architectural Context and Design Philosophy

Sagaponack's architectural landscape is an eclectic mix of modernism, contemporary refinement, historicism, and rural farmland structures. Lathhouse aligns with this diverse context by harmonizing vernacular forms with contemporary design elements. The two-story gable structure is strategically oriented east-west, maximizing views of the expansive southern lawn while seamlessly integrating with the sloping topography.

The residence is complemented by a minimalist pool house, which serves as a transition between the pool and tennis court, reinforcing the site’s carefully curated outdoor experience. A continuous privet hedge and mature deciduous trees frame the property, enhancing its privacy and natural integration.

A Modern Take on Traditional Lath House Elements

Inspired by its namesake, the Lathhouse reinterprets the traditional gabled farm structure, which historically utilized wood laths spaced apart to provide ventilation and natural shading. This design approach is evident in the home’s façade, where wooden slats serve multiple functions:

• Privacy screening on the north façade
• Solar shading scrim on the south façade
• Inset Juliet balconies for bedroom windows
• Continuity of form, wrapping around the roof and walls

The upper south wall slats terminate at a second-floor overhang, enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection. Operable glass walls open the living room to a spacious stone terrace, while the kitchen extends to a wood-slatted pergola, offering a shaded outdoor dining area. The pool house, echoing the residence, features a cantilevered pergola, rainscreen cladding, and glass operable walls, ensuring architectural cohesion.

Sustainable Building Strategies and Materials

A commitment to sustainability is evident in both the material selection and building systems of Lathhouse. The exterior cladding consists of reclaimed corral board fencing, a weathered wood material that naturally blends into the rural landscape while reducing the project’s environmental impact. Additional eco-conscious features include:

• Electrically powered geothermal heating and cooling
• High-efficiency insulated windows
• Closed-cell polyurethane insulation
• Mechanical fresh air system
• LED lighting throughout the home
• Water collection system concealed within the gutter and downspout structure, mitigating erosion

Interior Design: A Dialogue Between Light and Shadow

The interior of Lathhouse, designed by Brooke Michelsen Design, mirrors the architectural themes of light filtration and natural textures. The interplay between the wood slats and glazed elements influences the ambiance, casting dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the space.

The floor plan consists of functional yet elegant spaces, including:

• Main Level: Garage, mudroom, guest suite, living and dining areas, kitchen, principal bedroom suite, three additional bedroom suites, laundry, and linen storage
• Lower Level: Additional guest suite, gym, wine storage, TV room, bunk area, and mechanical rooms
• Pool House: Changing room, bathroom, lounge, and open pergola seating area

The bespoke furniture pieces and custom cabinetry reinforce the home’s refined aesthetic, offering a sense of craftsmanship that aligns with the overarching architectural vision.

Lathhouse by Birdseye Architects is a masterpiece of modern agrarian architecture, where historical influences, sustainable practices, and contemporary design principles converge. With its striking slatted façade, energy-efficient systems, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration, the residence stands as a benchmark for sustainable luxury living in Sagaponack.