{"id":213642,"date":"2023-06-28T15:22:55","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T19:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/?post_type=id_project&p=213642"},"modified":"2023-06-30T09:17:27","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T13:17:27","slug":"dune-ceo-southampton-home-by-sawyer-berson","status":"publish","type":"id_project","link":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/projects\/dune-ceo-southampton-home-by-sawyer-berson\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Look: Dune CEO’s Southampton Home by Sawyer|Berson"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Porcelain pavers surround the pool while a standing-seam zinc roof caps the 8,000-square-foot house.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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June 28, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n

Words: <\/span>Stephen Wallis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography: <\/span>Joshua McHugh<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Inside Look: Dune CEO’s Southampton Home by Sawyer|Berson<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Over the past few decades, the New York architecture firm Sawyer|Berson<\/a> has designed a bevy of houses in the Hamptons. Admired for their stylistic versatility, founding partners Brian Sawyer and John Berson have masterminded everything from stately Colonial Revival residences to bold, contemporary compounds. But never before had the studio worked on a home quite like the one proposed by Richard Shemtov for a wooded single-acre property in Southampton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shemtov, the CEO and founder of furniture company Dune<\/a>, was looking to build a weekend retreat to share with his wife, Dominique, and their three daughters, who range in age from 14 to 26. He envisioned something modestly scaled, modeled after traditional gable-roof barns but in a rigorously pared-down style. Key inspirations were Herzog & de Meuron\u2019s Parrish Art Museum in nearby Water Mill and the Baron House in Sweden by John Pawson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t our typical commission,\u201d says Sawyer, who has known and worked with Shemtov for years. \u201cIt was an exercise in discipline, really, a fun puzzle to work out. We could fit a certain amount of program in the box.\u201d Adds Berson, \u201cAs it turned out, that was a deceptively simple idea, to coordinate the plan and section and make the entire composition sing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Southampton Home Three Years in the Making<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With architecture and landscaping by Sawyer\u2009|\u2009Berson, the lower-level lounge in the Southampton, New York, home of Richard and Dominique Shemtov and family is outfitted with a Delta sectional, Toiny swivel chairs, a Jardin cocktail table, and a Torque side table, all from Shemtov\u2019s furniture company, Dune. He also designed the home\u2019s interiors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To create a crisp silhouette, Sawyer and Berson sunk one of the structure\u2019s two main levels entirely below-grade and devised the standing-seam roof, a weathered-gray zinc, so that it is flush with the perimeter edges and has hidden gutters. Expanses of 10-foot-high, black-painted aluminum\u2013framed glass\u2014most of which slide open\u2014line much of the front and rear facades, while the rest of the exterior is clad in a distinctive recycled-glass brick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The house\u2019s ground floor encompasses an open living\/dining area, the kitchen, and four bedrooms. The loftlike basement level\u2014housing several entertaining areas, Shemtov\u2019s home office, a laundry room, a gym, and a kitchenette\u2014is completely column-free, which added significantly to the engineering complexity of the project. The house also expanded a bit as plans developed: A custom-fabricated carport was tacked on and room was carved out below the eaves to create a half level, a cozy attic den that can double as a guest bedroom. \u201cIt\u2019s the house we wanted,\u201d Shemtov says. \u201cBut we went way over budget and it took nearly three years to build.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interiors are by Homeowner Richard Shemtov<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A big chunk of that time was devoted to fitting out the 8,000-square-foot interiors. It\u2019s not uncommon for Sawyer|Berson to handle every aspect of a project\u2014architecture, interiors, landscape\u2014as can be seen in the duo\u2019s forthcoming monograph, to be published by Rizzoli this fall in advance of the firm\u2019s 25th anniversary. But in this case Shemtov oversaw the interiors himself, his first time designing a project of this scale. \u201cEvery inch of the house was considered and thought out, almost to the point where it was obsessive,\u201d he admits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Architectural detailing was kept to a minimum\u2014just simple baseboard trim and crisp custom millwork in select spots. In the double-height living area, Shemtov devised a striking fireplace surround in richly grained wenge and, opposite, built-in bookshelves with a hand-glazed faux-linen finish, their back panels lined with mirror or hair-on hide to add layers of texture. On the ground level, 8-inch-wide pine floor planks were treated using a wire-brushed effect and then treated to a milky glaze. \u201cYou walk barefoot on it and it feels like a massage,\u201d Shemtov enthuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All built-ins and seating and most of the tables were made by Dune, which employs some 60 full-time furniture makers at its New Jersey facility. Shemtov used a mix of Dune Collection pieces and original designs\u2014some of which have since been added to the line, like the living area\u2019s amoeba-shape ottoman\/table, upholstered in harlequin-pattern panels of coral leather, and the dining area\u2019s Donald Judd\u2013inspired teal-aluminum sideboard. Downstairs, which offers billiards, ping-pong, Pac-Man, and pinball, two separate seating areas are anchored by exuberant Dune sectionals, one covered in a rusty-hued chenille and the other, a channel-tufted circular model inspired by Pierre Paulin, in a lemony suede.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The vaulted ceiling rises to 21 feet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Courtyard Garden by Sawyer|Berson Brightens the Lower Level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The art is mostly things the homeowners have collected over years, works by friends or that have a personal resonance. One new acquisition is the Bernardo Siciliano painting of a restaurant interior that hangs in the dining area. The scene felt distinctly familiar to Shemtov, who learned after he bought it that the artist had based it on Lincoln, a restaurant in Lincoln Center where Dune created a custom banquette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To bring light down into the lower level, Sawyer|Berson, which oversaw landscaping, created a courtyard garden with a series of amphitheater-style concrete terraces that are arrayed with a profusion of potted plants. \u201cI originally saw it as a kind of hanging garden with things tumbling down,\u201d says Sawyer. \u201cRichard came up with the idea of lining it with pots, which I think is fun and punchy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The focal point of the rear grounds is a minimalist swimming pool, surrounded by porcelain-tile coping and a sweep of precisely graded lawn. There\u2019s an outdoor kitchen and a poolside dining pergola, as well as a covered terrace that\u2019s become one of the family\u2019s favorite hangout spots. Shemtov imagines spending weekends and summers here with the girls\u2014and, eventually, their families\u2014for many years to come. \u201cLabor of love is a commonly used term,\u201d he says, \u201cbut with this house, it resonates a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside a Southampton Home by Sawyer|Berson <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In the foyer, a Michel Gribinski oil and a Paula Hayes sculpture accent Geo, a textured bronze\u2013tube console that was a Dune prototype and is now available as a commission-only piece.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In the living area, a Brian Schmitt chandelier overlooks Dune\u2019s DaBomb sectional and Cloud swivel chairs, a pair of Rick Owens antler side tables, and a hand-carved sycamore cocktail table by Caleb Woodard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The colorway of Romo\u2019s Kuba Cay pattern covering the mudroom\u2019s built-in oak banquette coordinates with an Anna Navasardian painting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Custom oak cabinetry surrounds much of the kitchen, with Corian countertops, Piet Boon stools, and tractor headlight\u2013inspired Outsider pendants by Jacco Maris.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Dune\u2019s Rhapsody table, Dash chairs, and Mason sideboard gather beneath an Anna Karlin pendant fixture in the dining area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In the main bedroom, Dune\u2019s Stellar chair and ottoman face the custom walnut-based bed and nightstands integrated into a linen-upholstered wall; the drapery fabric is Kelly Wearstler\u2019s Grafitto.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Damien Hirst\u2019s Butterfly Kaleidoscope wallpaper and a Samantha Gallacher rug animate the built-in bed and storage in a daughter\u2019s room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A Lindsay Cowles wallcovering enlivens another daughter\u2019s bedroom, with a Patty bench by Lievore Altherr Molina and Dune\u2019s Monolith desk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Beyond Dune\u2019s Float bench in the guest bedroom, the console and the gold-tinted stainless-steel wardrobe doors with lacquered rings are custom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Porcelain pavers surround the pool while a standing-seam zinc roof caps the 8,000-square-foot house.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The house is built of recycled-glass brick. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The pergola\u2019s mint-green color is custom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Free\u00adstanding Modernica screens partition the lower level\u2019s custom game table and chairs, joined by Bertjan Pot\u2019s Non Random pendant and a Liz Collins wall work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Variegated marble tile lines the main bathroom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Also on the lower level, a hair-on cowhide rug anchors a sitting area composed of Dune\u2019s Yaz sofa and Peanut coffee table.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Built-in beds double as lounging spots in the attic den, where Dune\u2019s Faux cork-patterned wallpaper, Turbo sectional, and Bump ottoman flank the custom oak TV cabinet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
PROJECT TEAM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
sawyer|berson<\/span><\/a>: alex taylor wilk<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
blue sky design<\/span><\/a>: structural engineer<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
bk kuck construction<\/span><\/a>: general contractor<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
PRODUCT SOURCES<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
FROM FRONT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
toulemonde bochart<\/span><\/a>: rug (lounge)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
normann copenhagen<\/span><\/a>: small side table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
romo<\/span><\/a>: chair fabric (lounge), drapery sheers (living area, dining area), banquette fabric (mudroom), bench fabric, window-treatment fabric (guest bedroom), settee fabric (main bedroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
anna karlin<\/span><\/a>: pendant fixture (dining area)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
\u00e9litis<\/span><\/a>: chair fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
crosby street studios<\/span><\/a>: rugs (dining area, guest bedroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
schmitt design<\/span><\/a>: chandelier (living area)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
pollack<\/span><\/a>: sectional fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
kerry joyce<\/span><\/a>: chair fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through jeff lincoln art & design<\/span><\/a>: cocktail table, side tables<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Ortal<\/span><\/a>: fireplace<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
foro marble<\/span><\/a>: fireplace stone<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
stone source<\/span><\/a>: floor tile (mudroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
renson<\/span><\/a>: custom carport, custom pergola (exterior)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
damien hirst<\/span><\/a>: wallpaper (bedroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
art + loom<\/span><\/a>: rug<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Knoll Textiles<\/span><\/a>: wall fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
robert allen<\/span><\/a>: headboard fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
brinklicht<\/span><\/a>: pendant fix\u00adtures (kitchen)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
corian<\/span><\/a>: countertops<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
piet boon<\/span><\/a>: stools<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
wolf<\/span><\/a>: oven<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
California Faucets<\/span><\/a>: sink fittings<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through lee jofa<\/span><\/a>: drapery fabric (main bedroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
c & c milano<\/span><\/a>: bed fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
c\u00e9line wright<\/span><\/a>: pendant fixture<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
beadlight<\/span><\/a>: sconces<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
jab<\/span><\/a>: chair fabric, ottoman fabric (main bedroom), chair fabric (game area)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
mgs milano<\/span><\/a>: outdoor shower (guest bedroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
pelican pools<\/span><\/a>: pool (terrace)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
ceramiche refin<\/span><\/a>: pavers<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
lindsay cowles<\/span><\/a>: wallpaper (bedroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
paul smith<\/span><\/a>: lamp<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
loro piana<\/span><\/a>: chair fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
verzelloni<\/span><\/a>: bench<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
jane churchill<\/span><\/a>: bench fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
modernica<\/span><\/a>: screens (game area)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Moooi<\/span><\/a>: pendant fixture<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
salvatori<\/span><\/a>: wall tile (bathroom)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
concrete collaborative<\/span><\/a>: countertop stone<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
ann sacks<\/span><\/a>: floor tile<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
brizo<\/span><\/a>: sink fittings<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
&tradition<\/span><\/a>: lamp (den)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
THROUGHOUT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
fleetwood windows & doors<\/span><\/a>: windows, exterior doors<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
rheinzink<\/span><\/a>: roof<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
harbour outdoor<\/span><\/a>: outdoor furniture<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Stonhard<\/span><\/a>: resin floor coating<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
benjamin moore & co.<\/span><\/a>: paint<\/span><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n