Cocoon House is an eco home that fosters a sense of wellbeing through its relationship with nature. The influence of Scandinavian architecture is evident throughout the project, with Nea Studio using organic forms and natural materials to create a tranquil residential environment.
Located close to the coast, the eco home sits on a compound property shared by Nina Edwards Anker – founder of Nea Studio – and her brother. “This house is based on my PhD thesis, which I wrote in Scandinavia and is very much about the house being small in a vast natural setting,” says Anker. The piece suggests that a biophilic design can improve a resident’s mental state by engaging all five senses. Cocoon House is an example of such a design and also reflects changes in the environment; during the day, sunlight enters the home through coloured skylights, casting rays ranging from yellow to red across the walls.
Taking a Scandinavian approach to design, Nea Studio shapes Cocoon House in relation to its site. The curve of the building not only allows natural light to enter the eco home at interesting angles but also creates a canvas for light reflecting off the water feature. “People have said they feel like they’re inside an ocean wave,” says Anker. Cedar shingles cover the outside of the house, while the internal structure, made of bent wood, evokes the idea of cedar saplings bent to form wigwams.
Entered from the north, the eco home contains a large living-kitchen-dining area followed by a corridor leading to the bedroom wing. After the laundry room, residents find two children’s bedrooms, each with a mezzanine. “Then we have the main bedroom, which is my favourite place,” says Anker. “It has a view towards the ocean and over the open lawn, where you can see the sea breeze coming through the trees.” From the main bedroom, a sliding door opens to a patio and cistern; the calming body of water reflects the image of sunsets in the winter and eases the heat in summer.
“As the mother of a cancer survivor, I’m very aware of the natural and non-toxic nature of my interiors,” says Anker. “All of the materials for the beds and the upholstered furniture are [sourced] within 500 miles, according to LEED protocol. The cistern, which is at the foot of the windows, also collects 50 per cent of rainwater, also according to LEED protocol, which is then recirculated into a non-chlorine filtering system.” The bathrooms of the eco home are designed using white Imperial Danby Vermont marble, the flooring is made from locally sourced oak and the patios, hearth and kitchen countertop feature local bluestone.
Cocoon House serves as a key example of a modern eco home. Using bold forms and natural interiors, Nea Studio spreads ideas of sustainable design while creating a bright family home.
00:00 – Introduction to the Eco Home
00:56 – The Design Inspiration
02:07 – A Walkthrough and Layout of the Home
03:30 – The Scandinavian Approach to Architecture
04:11 – A Natural and Non-Toxic Material Palette
05:42 – Proud Moments
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Photography by Caylon Hackwith.
Architecture, interior design and landscape design by Nea Studio.
Build by Licciardi Builders.
Electrical engineering by Avioworks.
Structural engineering by Laufs Engineering Design.
Filmed and edited by O&Co. Homes.
Production by The Local Production.
Location: Long Island, 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.
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