In Quogue, New York, The Tides, designed by Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design, offers an understated yet striking example of how architecture can engage seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Set against the backdrop of tidal wetlands, the home achieves a delicate balance between modernist sensibilities and the raw, untouched beauty of the South Fork of Long Island.
Positioned to take full advantage of expansive bay views, the house is shaped by its connection to the fluctuating tides that define the landscape. Water gardens, a sleek pool that extends into the terrain, and a hand-dug marsh channel enhance the property’s relationship with the waterfront. The architecture is not an imposition but a complement, responding to the subtle changes in the environment throughout the day. The dynamic interplay between the built and the natural is at the heart of this project.
In terms of layout, The Tides embraces a modern interpretation of the “Shotgun House” typology which was instituted as a creative design solution to the constraints of the narrow buildable envelope of land outside of the preservation area. This design strategy allows for a sequence of spaces flowing along a main axis of circulation that takes full advantage of the northerly and eastern water views.
Founded in 1982, Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design has long been a respected presence in the field of bespoke residential architecture. The firm, with offices in both Norwalk, Connecticut, and Quogue, New York, is led by Senior Principal Stuart Disston, AIA, LEED GA, and Principal Joshua Rosensweig, Associate AIA. The firm is known for its nuanced understanding of context, whether designing new homes, restoring historic properties, or crafting thoughtful additions.
“Our expertise has a wide range. Rather than focusing on a ‘cookie-cutter’ signature style, we care more to champion the Vitruvian principles of stability, utility, and beauty across a multitude of architectural expressions,” says Mr. Disston.
This approach is evident in The Tides, where the firm has allowed the home to engage meaningfully with its site rather than dominating it. By placing the surrounding wetlands at the center of the design process, Austin Patterson Disston has created a home that is shaped by its environment.
“I can tell you what others have said: our work has an intimate scale and attention to detail, that even our larger residences do not seem imposing, and that our interiors work together and are well tailored in their material detail,” says Disston. This precision is evident throughout The Tides, where each room feels part of a cohesive whole, shaped by the light and the landscape outside.
Austin Patterson Disston’s thoughtful approach to design is a key aspect of their broader architectural philosophy. Each project is a response to the distinct characteristics of the site, rather than a predetermined style or formula. Their work reflects a deep understanding of architectural precedent, but with an emphasis on creating spaces that feel specific to their place and purpose.
The Tides is a beautiful addition to Quogue’s landscape, offering a refined example of how modern design can respond to the particularities of a site while maintaining a sense of timelessness. It reflects the firm’s dedication to context-driven architecture—an ethos that shapes every project they undertake.
To learn more about Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design, visit apdarchitects.com.
