This Cocoon in the Hamptons is Totally Sustainable
Nina Edwards Anker, of nea studio, has designed and built her own summer cottage in the Hamptons, the ‘Cocoon,’ which is entirely sustainable. The architect, designer, professor, and writer focused her efforts on environmentally responsible practices to everything from the backbone of the structure to the most detailed elements. Sustainable design has now turned the page from just a trend to genuinely feasible production across industries, from hotels to summer houses and city homes.
In touch with the outside world with just a slide of the glass doors, the transparent L-shaped home offers an intimate nesting experience that envelops in a sort-of cocoon. Sunlight filters in through the glass and the colored skylights in the hall reflecting shapes into space inside. As the lights outside change, the geometric shapes inside change form. This playful decision results in a serendipitous display. Aside from the color panels, the rest of the house follows a pastel color palette with sparring detail to provide extra coziness.
The structure is made entirely timber to keep away the humidity of the island and retain the heat; it is also LEED-certified. The interior is further furnished with sustainable items, including a beanie sofa made out of lentils, algae lamps, a solar chandelier, knotties, and a cantilever table. Edwards Anker is paving the way for homeowners and summer cottages to opt for a carbon-neutral design that works in tempt with the planet instead of against it.
