Osprey House

East Hampton, NY

Architect: Desai Chia Architecture

Project Overview

The Osprey House on Shelter Island, NY is a contemporary residence that draws inspiration from its surrounding marshlands and the native ospreys that inhabit the area. Influenced by the simple forms of traditional bird blinds, the home embraces a restrained material palette and vertically oriented wood cladding that allows the architecture to blend naturally into its environment.

The driftwood-like exterior continues into the interior, creating a seamless connection between inside and out. Expansive glazing, elevated living spaces, and carefully framed views strengthen the relationship between the home and its coastal setting, reinforcing a design philosophy rooted in nature, simplicity, and place.

Recognition

Interior Design 2024 Best of Year Honoree
AIA Long Island 2024 Design Award of Merit
Architecture Masterprize Award 2024

Material Selection & Performance

The residence is clad in IRUKA shou sugi ban Cypress, selected for its weathered gray appearance, rich texture, and long-term exterior performance. Crafted using the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban technique, IRUKA undergoes a meticulous process of charring, cooling, brushing, and finishing that enhances the wood’s natural grain while creating subtle tonal variation that shifts with changing light conditions.

Naturally durable and dimensionally stable, Cypress is an ideal species for charred wood applications due to its consistent color, density, and hardness. The charred surface adds depth and tactile character while providing an additional layer of protection against moisture, insects, and decay. Together, these qualities make IRUKA a high-performance cladding solution that complements the home’s coastal environment while allowing the architecture to weather gracefully over time.

Specification & Technical Support

RESAWN worked with the design team to provide a charred wood cladding solution that aligned with the project’s architectural vision and environmental context. IRUKA was selected for its distinctive weathered aesthetic, natural durability, and ability to create visual continuity between the home’s exterior and interior spaces.

By combining the timeless character of shou sugi ban with the performance of Cypress, the material supports the home’s understated design while delivering the long-term durability required for a coastal application.

Project Team

Desai Chia Architecture is an award-winning architecture and design practice founded by Katherine Chia, FAIA, and Arjun Desai, AIA. Since 1996, the firm has been recognized for creating conceptually rigorous residential, cultural, and commercial projects that celebrate material authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place. Through thoughtful collaboration and refined detailing, Desai Chia delivers architecture that is both enduring and responsive to its surroundings.