A covered entryway at the Romana Drive residence, featuring a pergola with exposed wooden beams that cast linear shadows on the vertical wood siding. The contrasting white panel wall adds a contemporary touch, while the concrete steps lead to a glass front door that offers a framed view of the water beyond. The minimalist design emphasizes clean lines, natural materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

A double-height living area in the Romana Drive residence, featuring a central two-sided white brick fireplace that visually divides the space while maintaining openness. A neutral-toned sectional sofa anchors the seating area, complemented by a round coffee table and a modern blue lounge chair. Above, custom walnut louvered privacy doors provide flexibility for the upper level. A black metal stair railing adds contrast, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed water views. The kitchen in the background features minimalist cabinetry and a marble island, reinforcing the home's seamless blend of function and elegance.

A modern staircase in the Romana Drive residence, featuring open wood treads, a black metal railing, and a striking walnut-paneled accent wall. Integrated wall sconces provide ambient lighting, enhancing the natural warmth of the wood. A vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and a track lighting system adds to the contemporary aesthetic. In the foreground, a neutral-toned sofa and marble coffee table contribute to the cohesive material palette of the living space.

A second-floor view of the Romana Drive residence, showcasing a double-height white brick fireplace extending from the main living space. Large windows frame sweeping waterfront views, while a black metal railing defines the mezzanine level. Natural light filters through clerestory windows, accentuating the warm wood beams and minimalist interior finishes. Below, the outdoor patio and deck integrate seamlessly with the home's modern design, reinforcing its strong connection to the landscape.

An upper-level hallway in the Romana Drive residence, featuring light wood flooring and minimalist white walls leading to a waterfront-facing balcony. On the right, custom walnut louvered privacy doors slide open to overlook the double-height living area, while a white brick fireplace extends vertically through the space. Natural light streams through large windows, enhancing the warm tones of the wood and providing a strong connection to the bay views beyond.

A covered outdoor terrace at the Romana Drive residence, offering unobstructed views of Shinnecock Bay. The space features a natural stone patio, a wooden slatted pergola supported by slim metal columns, and contemporary teak seating arranged for both relaxation and social gatherings. The terrace seamlessly connects to the interior through large sliding glass doors, while the waterfront setting and private dock emphasize the home's strong relationship with its natural surroundings.

A detailed view of the outdoor terrace at the Romana Drive residence, featuring a pergola with exposed wood beams supported by slim metal columns. The natural stone patio extends towards the water, integrating seamlessly with the pool area and surrounding landscape. Large sliding glass doors connect the terrace to the home's interior, reinforcing the strong indoor-outdoor relationship. The layered rooflines and warm wood siding reflect the residence's modern yet natural aesthetic, designed to maximize waterfront views.

A close-up of the Romana Drive residence’s exterior, showcasing a distinctive façade composed of warm vertical wood siding and colorful fiber cement panels in muted green and blue tones. The angular roofline with exposed eaves enhances the modern architectural aesthetic, while large windows maximize natural light. A metal and wood railing leads to the entrance, reinforcing the home’s contemporary design language.

Rear elevation of the Romana Drive residence, a modern waterfront home featuring sloped rooflines, vertical wood siding, and expansive glass openings. The design includes a covered terrace with a wooden slatted pergola, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living areas. A second-floor balcony with a metal railing provides elevated water views, while a landscaped lawn and stepped retaining wall integrate the home with its surroundings. The architectural composition emphasizes natural materials and a strong relationship with the landscape.

Romana Drive

Size: 1,700 Sq Ft

Plot: .5 acre

4 bedrooms and Den

Location: Hampton Bays, NY

Contractor: Blair Dibble Builders

Masonry: J&M Masonry

Innovative expansion to a Mid-Century gem

The original one-story, 1,700-square-foot mid-century beach house in Hampton Bays was built between 1959 and 1962, featuring three bedrooms and two baths. When a couple wished to expand their waterfront weekend home, they contacted architect Pamela Glazer, who was intrigued by the possibilities of enlarging the house while preserving its low-sloped roof and vintage style characteristic of the area's small shed-roof houses of that era.

Because the house was close to the water, zoning regulations prohibited expansion of the original footprint toward the water, requiring Glazer to develop a creative solution landward.

The homeowners' renovation requirements focused on luxury upgrades and modern amenities.

Their wish list included:

A private primary suite with a spa-like bathroom, generous walk-in closet, and secluded deck
A dedicated living room fireplace as a central focal point
Additional guest accommodations with a full bathroom
A separate media room for entertainment
An expanded two-car garage
Outdoor amenities including a swimming pool and spa

Seamless integration of design and sustainability

Glazer's innovative design solution centered on vertical expansion, elevating the original roof slope to accommodate a second story. This architectural intervention created a sophisticated primary suite on the upper level, complete with direct access to a private deck showcasing panoramic waterfront views.

The redesign dramatically transformed the main living area, featuring a soaring double-height ceiling that amplifies the sense of space and light – custom walnut louvered privacy doors disappear behind the thin 2 story brick chimney.