Set against the rugged coastline of Montauk, New York, an architect designs a dream home into a cliff, creating a beach house that balances architectural precision with its natural surroundings. Designed by SAOTA with interior design by Rafael de Cárdenas, the residence responds to its elevated position through considered architecture, natural materials and uninterrupted ocean views. Conceived as a summer retreat, this coastal home combines relaxed beachside living with the sophistication of a city residence.
Located at the eastern end of Long Island, Montauk offers a distinctive alternative to the neighbouring Hamptons. Its surf culture and exposed coastal conditions informed the architectural approach. Rather than imposing a singular design language, SAOTA sought to create a cliff house that belongs to its landscape. As the architect designs a dream home into a cliff, the site’s elevation shapes both the building’s form and the journey through it.
Arrival begins at the highest point of the property, where the ocean is visible beyond the roofline. From here, the home unfolds downwards, drawing occupants towards the coastline. The upper level contains the entrance, primary suites and study within a barn-like structure. Beneath it, a transparent living level accommodates the kitchen, dining and lounge areas, where natural light enters through expansive glazing. Subtle changes in floor height establish distinct zones without interrupting the openness of the plan, creating an engaging house tour.
Materiality reinforces the layered architecture of this Long Island residence. Dark, charred timber shingles define the upper structure, contrasting with warm blonde oak interiors. At the lowest level, locally sourced granite anchors the building within the terrain. As the architect designs a dream home into a cliff, these finishes establish a relationship between the building and its coastal environment, balancing solidity with transparency.
Inside, Rafael de Cárdenas introduces glamour while preserving the relaxed atmosphere of a beach house. The interior design incorporates custom furniture, artwork, ceramics and furnishings. A sculptural, serpentine stone wall defines the main living area, separating the kitchen from the lounge while maintaining visual connection. Its continuity with the flooring brings cohesion to the interiors, while natural light enhances the warmth of the materials.
Outdoor spaces are integral to the design. Terraces, a cabana and lower lawn are arranged across intermediate levels, easing the transition between the cliff house and surrounding landscape. These connections demonstrate how an architect designs a dream home into a cliff while maintaining a relationship with the ocean.
Realised through close collaboration between the project team, this Montauk residence reflects a commitment to coastal living. The home tour reveals how each level responds to its setting, from private upper spaces to open living areas below. Ultimately, the architect designs a dream home into a cliff that embraces its rugged surroundings, offering a distinctive interpretation of contemporary residential design. This house tour presents a home shaped by its site, materials and the experience of living beside the Atlantic.
0:00 – Introduction To Montauk Beach House By SAOTA
1:12 – A Summer Sanctuary Shaped By The Coast
2:08 – Bringing Urban Sophistication Into Beachside Living
3:13 – A Walk Through The Home’s Layered Spaces
5:03 – Three Distinct Elements Define The Architecture
6:53 – The Collaborative Effort Behind The Project
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Photography by Thomas Loof.
Architecture by SAOTA.
Interior design by Rafael de Cárdenas.
Build by Hobbs Inc.
Landscape design by Hollander Design.
Filmed and edited by O&Co. Homes.
Production by The Local Production.
Location: Montauk, New York, United States
The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#DreamHome #CliffHouse #HouseTour
