Mohegan Trail Residence by Bates Masi + Architects – Sustainable Coastal Island Living

Nestled on a remote coastal bluff in New Shoreham, the Mohegan Trail Residence by Bates Masi + Architectsexemplifies resilient residential architecture designed for the challenges of island living. With no cargo boat access and strict size limits on the passenger ferry, all materials and equipment had to be carefully selected for transport, emphasizing practicality and durability without compromising design quality.

The design relies on locally available dimensional lumber in short spans, eliminating the need for heavy equipment or steel trusses. Strategically spaced studs, rafters, and joists allow easy on-site assembly, while threaded rods and bolted shear walls anchor the structure against high coastal winds. This approach merges structural integrity with a raw, authentic aesthetic that celebrates the exposed, densely spaced framing as a defining architectural language.

The home's exterior is clad in cedar shakes for natural moisture resistance, with tongue-and-groove deck boards replacing traditional plywood to withstand the island’s wet climate. A 6-inch continuous layer of rigid insulation outside the sheathing ensures energy efficiency while leaving the interior framing exposed, creating warmth and tactile authenticity. Copper flashing protects vulnerable areas, and unglazed clay tiles reference the island’s natural deposits, grounding the home in its unique coastal context.

Inside, the design prioritizes simplicity and minimalism. Lighting is line-voltage with local controls, shades are manually operated, and a wood-burning stove provides cozy warmth. Millwork is intentionally restrained, using solid wood open shelving that complements the exposed framing and reinforces the residence’s raw, functional charm.

The house adopts a gabled saltbox form with a 45'x45' footprint, dictated by local codes and regional vernacular traditions. Oriented to face northeast, the most weather-resistant side withstands incoming storms, with the roof extending to the ground without penetrations. Minimal exterior detailing evokes the traditional shingle-style architecture of the Northeastern U.S., reinterpreted with a modern sensibility.

All photographs are works of  Bates Masi + Architects