In 2012, the Lauder family, descendants of cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, faced the loss of a small Hamptons cottage due to Hurricane Sandy. Turning tragedy into opportunity, they decided to create something entirely new—a beach pavilion nestled between the ocean and a saltwater pond. Aerin Lauder, representing the family, describes it as a “magical indoor-outdoor beach pavilion” and affectionately refers to it as a “jewel box in the dunes.”
The Lauder family’s new beach pavilion, replacing the Hurricane Sandy-damaged cottage, is an elegantly restrained, modernist structure spanning 1,300 square feet. Designed by architect Michael Lomont of Stelle Lomont Rouhani, the single-story building features a sleek glass facade and vertically placed sapele mahogany slats that serve as a rain screen. The simplicity of the design allows the property to harmonize with its natural surroundings, showcasing breathtaking views of eastern Long Island. The main living floor, elevated to comply with flood codes, boasts 10-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the captivating scenery.
The Lauder family’s beach pavilion, delicately designed by architect Michael Lomont, is strategically positioned at dune level, creating a breathtaking connection with the natural surroundings. Elevated above an entrance stairwell and storage space, the main living area offers immersive views of sandy hillocks and undulating waves to the north and south. The residence, a perfect blend of a guesthouse and a family retreat, caters to casual gatherings and serves as a luxurious cabana for beachside snacks and breaks. The streamlined layout features one bedroom and bathroom, a central kitchen, and a welcoming den, complemented by front and back decks.
Inspired by the coastal environment, the design palette mirrors the hues of seagrass and dunes, evoking the warmth of driftwood and sandy tones. In a deliberate departure from Lauder’s other homes, the lighter touch here creates a distinct experience, emphasizing the feeling of being nestled in the beach’s embrace. The interior seamlessly extends the mahogany slats from the exterior to anchor the living room’s wall, ensuring visual continuity. Additionally, sliding panels introduce versatility to the entertainment center, allowing it to be concealed, revealing recessed shelves with a simple gesture.
Architect Lomont, known for incorporating surprises into his designs, focuses on the mesmerizing views. The lower entrance hall, characterized by Venetian plaster walls, adds a touch of monastic charm, creating an element of intrigue and surprise as one enters the residence. This unique beach pavilion is a harmonious blend of modernist simplicity and a deep appreciation for the untamed beauty that surrounds it.
As one ascends the stairs, a captivating design element emerges—a glass column that gracefully spills across the roof, creating an artfully framed view of the sky and clouds. This architectural feature, likened to framed art by the architect, serves as a transformative focal point, inviting a profound connection with the surrounding environment and altering the context of the site. The skylight in the serene bathroom is celebrated as a highlight, drawing parallels to the immersive and contemplative nature of James Turrell’s artworks.
Internally, the interiors bear the distinctive touch of Daniel Romualdez, a seasoned collaborator and friend of Aerin Lauder for nearly two decades. Romualdez, renowned for his work with prominent figures like Tory Burch and Ina Garten, as well as his recent collaboration on Lauder’s Aspen residence, brings his expertise to the Hamptons beach pavilion. The interiors are envisioned as a seamless continuation of the coastal inspiration, merging aesthetic elegance with the functional design. The collaboration between Lauder and Romualdez results in a harmonious blend of architectural sophistication and curated interior aesthetics.
Daniel Romualdez reflects on the unique challenges presented by this design project, emphasizing the positive impact of constraints on fostering thoughtful and deliberate design decisions. The constraints, such as maximizing texture and considering the interplay of colors with the captivating coastal light, become opportunities for enhancing the overall design. Romualdez appreciates how constraints often contribute to elevating the design, turning limitations into creative advantages.
Collaborating seamlessly, Aerin Lauder and Romualdez cultivate an ambiance of organic and inviting elegance within the space. Their collective vision prioritizes comfort and warmth, serving as a counterpoint to the striking and aerodynamic architecture conceived by Michael Lomont. Lauder draws on her curated archive of collected objects, incorporating pieces with sentimental value, such as the earthy ceramic vases in the living room that she delights in filling with beach grass. This thoughtful integration of personal artifacts adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the contemporary design.
The guesthouse is adorned with subtle yet deliberate allusions to the surrounding seascape, carefully integrated into every nook and cranny. In the bedroom, vintage lamps reminiscent of coral evoke an underwater aesthetic, while pieces of driftwood, personally collected by Lauder from the shoreline, find a place of prominence on bookshelves. The pillows, designed to resemble fishermen’s nets, rest comfortably on the white linen sofas, creating a cohesive maritime theme throughout. Lauder’s vision for the guesthouse is centered on achieving a natural, easy, and effortless environment that exudes comfort.
Despite the creative touches, there’s a shared acknowledgment among those involved that when Nature bestows such a breathtaking panorama, the most effective design strategy is to step back and let it shine. As Romualdez aptly puts it, “When the view is that good, you just have to have the humility to cool it.” This sentiment reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize the awe-inspiring natural beauty that surrounds the guesthouse, allowing it to take center stage without unnecessary embellishments.
