Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Architect & Designer Visit: Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island

Search

Architect & Designer Visit: Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island

When NYC-based architect Cary Tamarkin and his family bought an unheated 1960s shack on Shelter Island as a weekend retreat, they lived in the existing structure for three years before rebuilding. According to interior designer and Suzanne Shaker, a neighbor and frequent collaborator of Tamarkin’s, “the family learned to understand the rhythms of the light, water, and sand intimately; more importantly, they discovered how they wanted to live within those rhythms.”

The house they eventually built is an intimate response to the site; it’s built primarily of giant reclaimed old-growth cypress logs (the favored material of many classic masters, Frank Lloyd Wright included). A Japanese influence is evident in the honesty of the detailing, which dominates but is never overbearing. There is no need for air-conditioning; the steady breeze from the water can be channeled and directed throughout the interiors via the many transom windows, each operated individually with tactile, stainless-steel sailboat cranks. “I love the action of cranking them open,” Tamarkin says.

To see more of Cary Tamarkin’s work, go to Tamarkin Co. To see more of Suzanne Shaker’s projects, go to Suzanne Shaker.

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.35.58

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.34.33

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.32.52

Above: The living spaces and the family bedrooms are separated by a covered breezeway.

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.32.32

Above: Shaker outfitted the relaxed living spaces with casual midcentury pieces such as the Butterfly Chair from Circa 50 and Noguchi Akari Pendants from the Noguchi Museum.

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.33.38

Above: The dominant wooden beams extend from interior to exterior, establishing the rhythm of the house.

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  21.47.29

Above: Practical hooks make for easy and decorative storage. The Eero Saarinen midcentury dining table and chairs are from Wyeth in New York. Photo by William Abranowicz for House Beautiful.

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 9

Above: A custom platform sofa is positioned to capture the expansive sea views.

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 10

Above: The kitchen features utilitarian plywood cabinetry.

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.36.22

Above: A horizontal row of windows captures views of the sky, the water, and the sand. The striped fabric is from CC Milano, available through Holland Sherry.

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 12

Above: The movement of sunlight marks the progression of time; turning the house into a sundial on a summer’s day.

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 13

Above: Custom teak dining tables and benches by George Smith Woodworking in Tivoli, New York (845-757-5921).

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  17.37.54

Above: The teak Outdoor Lounge Furniture is from Henry Hall in San Francisco.

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 15

Above: The master bath shower is covered with Black 3/4-Inch Unglazed Porcelain Tiles by Nemo Tiles.

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 16

Above: The simple master bedroom features white-painted wood-paneled walls. The metal and wood shelving is from Bloom in Sag Harbor, NY (631-725-5940).

Architect amp Designer Visit Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island portrait 17

Above: Tamarkin’s favorite spot is the open-air shower just outside his bedroom.

Screen  20  shot  20  2011 04 28  20  at  20  21.58.34

Above: In the evenings, the house emits a warm, lantern like glow. Photos by Bart Michiels (except photo 6 by William Abranowicz for House Beautiful).

Techler Design Group was the associated architect on the this project

(Visited 745 times, 4 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0