Saltaire is a village on Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, New York. Cars are not allowed on most of the island so residents arrive by ferry and get around the island by walking or biking. Wagons are kept at the ferry terminal to help shuttle groceries and luggage home. The boardwalks of Saltaire float above the sandy surface the island, instilling a sense that the boardwalk is there to preserve the fragile natural environment but also to maintain paths through the wild natural landscape.

The site, less than 2 feet above sea level, is a wetland with no habitable outdoor space on the ground. The possibility of storm surges requires the house to be built 7 feet above grade. The proximity of the public boardwalk and opportunities for ocean views from the upper stories suggested locating the private bedrooms below and the living spaces and roof deck above - like a ship.

The house makes its own ground. Outdoor spaces that are normally outside the house are brought inside. These outdoor spaces are connected by a continuous ramp from the boardwalk to the roof deck, that connects all the spaces of the house.

The house is organized around a ramp that connects these outdoor spaces from the public boardwalk all the way to the private roof deck. Moving from the boardwalk onto the site one enters the house through an internal court before ascending a ramp to the house entry at the second floor. The elevated entry level provides views of the harbor and privacy from the boardwalk below. Roof terraces provide a series of outdoor spaces and an elevated connection to the trees and the nearby harbor of the barrier island.

The continuous ramp allows for wagon access to every level.

A house in four layers:

• The Floating Walk
• Private Courtyard level
• Social Living Level
• Sky Terrace

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