Shelter Island House

Shelter Island House is a residential project by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, completed in 2005 on a sloping bluff above Gardiners Bay, Shelter Island, NY. Commissioned for an active client and designed for durability against the region’s harsh weather, the house emphasizes permanence and a strong connection to its landscape. The site’s topography influenced the placement of two main volumes—the house and a detached garage—organized to frame outdoor spaces while maximizing views over the water. Both structures are constructed from cast-in-place concrete and faced in large Brazilian granite slabs, lending a minimal and modern character. The garage sits at the top of a steep drive, with an acid-etched light box admitting daylight to a recreational space below. A narrow slot between garage and retaining wall leads to a courtyard, creating an outdoor “room” that visually connects the buildings and opens toward the bay. The main house features extensive glazing along its western face for water views, with a small terrace extending from the living area. Inside, exposed concrete is offset by American cherry wood paneling and redwood-framed windows, creating a restrained interior palette. Circulation is internalized at the lower level, where stairs connect the living spaces to the bedrooms below.

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