West Beech
"Build UP // West Beech" is a sustainable, single-family home in the West End of Long Beach, NY. It is the first self-initiated project by THE UP STUDIO which aims to develop concept-driven architecture within Long Island's most vibrant, walkable downtowns. Acting as architects, interior architects, and brand designers while also acting as the developer for the project allowed a freedom to execute long-held design concepts and resulted in a home that acts as a living billboard to showcase these ideals.
The home’s modern design features an open floor plan, ocean views, a roof deck, multiple balconies, allocated space for solar panels, and a location in the West End neighborhood of Long Beach that provides close access to the beach and local businesses and restaurants, as well as direct access to New York City on the Long Island Rail Road.
SOLAR STRATEGY
The balconies lining the south side of the home are calibrated according to the
sun’s angle. In the summer, when the sun is highest in the sky, the balconies provide shade from unnecessary
direct sunlight yet in the cold winter months they allow the natural solar heating into the home.
CENTRAL CORE
Utilities are consolidated into an active core that brings all fixed elements to
the center of the home and clears the facade for maximum fenestration. This organization enables a fully
open, rectangular floor plan with maximum flexibility.
MATERIAL PALETTE
The minimal palette creates a simple, bold connections between the interior and
exterior. The interior relies on light, natural wood and white walls which contrast the dark, charcoal stairs
and ebony-stained cedar of the home's exterior.
BRAND DESIGN
While under construction the team developed a visual identity for the home which included
architectural diagrams, models, illustrations, motion graphics, and renderings to help visualize the future
project and allow potential buyers to understand the value of the homes sensible design. That visual identity
was carried out through a custom website and on print collateral used for real estate marketing.
