Little Ram Island House

Back in college, I attended a lecture by A. Eugene Kohn. That specific evening was a turning point for me. Gene Kohn is the business mind behind the great success of Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects. His enthusiasm for the profession and the business of architecture was so inspirational. Since then, KPF has been one of my favorite firms.

The majority of their work is high rise office and residential buildings constructed throughout the world. William Pedersen, the design genius of the firm, has also designed several private homes. His most recent is one for himself on Shelter Island overlooking Long Island Sound.

KPF is known for their attention to detail and this house is a study in detail. Every surface, edge and corner is addressed with an elegant modern resolution. That is no surprise. It took Pedersen over 20 years to design.

The house is sited perfectly (the photo – the only one I can find online – does not do the house justice). It grows from the land as if through erosion and evolution it was created by a natural force. It reminds me of the bluffs of Nantucket or the Palisades of the great Hudson River. The plan of the house, two narrow triangles arranged in a boomerang shape, captures every available view of the Sound, yet respectfully avoids disturbing any views of his neighbors.

This month’s issue of Architectural Record features Pedersen’s masterpiece along with three other architect’s homes. Twenty years from now, I fully expect the Little Ram Island House to be listed on the top ten homes of all time.

Living Well House of the Week: Little Ram Island House

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For more information, check out the house specs published by Arch Record. If I can find more photos, I will post another day.