BoND updates artist's modernist house in Fire Island Pines

New York architecture studio BoND has renovated a mid-century home designed by modernist architect Harry Bates in Fire Island Pines, injecting bold accents while keeping with the building's original style.

Originally designed in 1965 by Bates, a renowned modernist, the house was in need of a holistic interior overhaul, having been updated multiple times over the years.

BoND renovated the historic building for artist Kyle Meyer, who shares the home with his partner Khaled Habayeb, and is close friends with BoND founders Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger, who also have a home in the Pines.

The studio's intention was to retain as much of the original vision of Bates, who was amongst several architects who shaped the architecture of this dune-covered, salt-sprayed landscape.

"The house's design draws heavily from the work of Bates and other modernist architects, such as Horace Gifford, who sought to create architecture that was organically tied to the landscape of Fire Island Pines," said the BoND team.

The two-storey house is arranged so that the main living areas look out from the largely glazed upper floor, with glass wrapping the corners and filling the shallow gable created by the low pitched roof.

The wooden beams and columns are painted black, matching the roof and the trim around the deck, as well as the kitchen island and cabinetry.

"The renovation incorporated materials associated with Fire Island Pines, including clear cedar siding and jalousie windows," BoND said.

Lighter wood covers the floors inside, matching the boards that surround the fireplace and wrap the majority of spaces on the lower level.

This includes the staircase, updated from its "impractical" previous form that wasn't to code, from which the second tread extends to form a seat in the new foyer.

A mirror behind the cushion-topped platform reflects the swimming pool visible through the windows.

"The color palette throughout the house was a reflection of the natural surroundings of Fire Island Pines," the team said. "Warm tones of wood and soft, neutral finishes allowed the beauty of the outside landscape to flow seamlessly inside."

The lower floor plan was reconfigured to accommodate a new primary suite on the east side and two equal-sized guest bedrooms in the west.

Cube-shaped floating nightstands and tubular blue sconces by 20th-century French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand flank the beds in the minimalist sleeping quarters.

In the bathrooms, tiles from Heath line the showers and minimalist formica green vanities are supported by stainless steel cylinders.

The custom furniture pieces were designed and fabricated by Lesser Miracle.

"This renovation was not only about preserving an architectural landmark but also about breathing new life into a piece of history," said the team.

"By honouring Harry Bates' original vision and integrating thoughtful, contemporary design elements, the property has been transformed into a home that remains deeply connected to its architectural roots while offering the best of modern living."

Along with their own Pines vacation home, Dvir and Rauchwerger have also recently completed a revamp of a Sears Kit House in the historically gay enclave off the coast of New York's Long Island.

The barrier island is home to many amazing examples of mid-century modern architecture, including a 1960s residence that was overhauled by American studio Andrew Franz Architect in 2021 and a bayfront bungalow overhauled by Rodman Paul Architects two years earlier.

The photography is by Chris Mottalini.

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