The new-founded popularity of the modern home in the Hamptons

The Hamptons are seeing a shift from Gatsby-esque grandiosity to sleek, clean lines and open, flowing spaces with expansive views; modern homes in the Hamptons aren’t only just more popular, they’re also seeing higher sale prices than their classical counterparts. What’s causing the shift in demand?

Drama of landscape over drama of structure

In an age of increasing appreciation for the environment and the beautiful vistas the Hamptons have to offer, homebuyers are opting for floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the facades of the home, allowing for natural light and breathtaking views of the beaches, landscape, and beautiful skies. 

Where intricate moldings, ornate columns, and lavish facades once showcased the home’s structure, clean lines and geometric form of the home’s structure now showcase the land itself. The landscape becomes the main act, with the home’s structure being a vessel through which it’s enhanced – such as is found in this East Hampton modern mansion, which even showcases a living plant wall and glass walls that nearly disappear into the framework against the surrounding woods. 

Functionality

Modern homes remain predominantly open, making the transition between indoors and outdoors fluid, honoring the concept of free-flowing space. Open spaces lend themselves to both an ease of entertaining and a more family-friendly space with much less clutter to break or damage. Where sentimental ornaments and “clutter” once sat atop ornate mantels, blank walls showcasing modern light fixtures or singular collections of art have taken up residence. 

We’re not saying your guests are clumsy or that your kids play catch in the house… but we’re saying that if that were to be the case, modern structure mitigates the amount of damage that can be done. 

Federal Building Regulations

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) established new regulations after Hurricane Katrina that require habitational spaces to be built above base-flood elevations – what was at first seen as a challenge in the foundational building process has now become a design opportunity to literally “float” the home off the land – many living quarters and entertainment spaces are now on the second floor, with the kitchen and utility rooms are on the first floor. 

The result: breathtaking views from the master suites and social spaces, especially in homes surrounded by beauty – such as this Bridgehampton gem with flow-through views of both the ocean at Sagg Pond; featuring a rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, and wet bar, it’s the modern entertainer’s dream.

Properties aren’t just built for beauty; they’re built to last. Modern materials such as steel and concrete and construction quality to withstand hurricane-force winds are what set the foundation for modern architecture, showcased in this Montauk compound with 300 feet of direct ocean frontage.

Environmentally Conscious & Technologically Advanced

Aside from showcasing nature itself with the expansive views afforded by glass facades and 14-16’ windows, modern homes are catering to the current consumer’s desire to reduce his/her carbon footprint. It’s not just about having the most well-equipped smart home with the coolest gadgets; it’s about employing such technology to reduce emissions – both in the build and inhabitant process.

Plum Builders in the Hamptons use sustainability as a pillar for their architecture, showcased in their recent Modern Barn: they believe “the essence of green is to work with materials that are sourced and delivered, using as little energy as possible, from locations as close to home as possible,” because every “every step from material production to distribution and transport counts toward reducing the carbon footprint.”

Brighter & Lighter

Open spaces and expansive lighting simply provide for happier spaces – modern homeowners favor a feeling of freedom even indoors in place of the cluttered, cooped up feeling that results from dark, ornate spaces.

One of the key criticisms to modern architecture – especially it’s expansive glass facades – is the lack of privacy afforded to its inhabitants. In the Hamptons, however, privacy is rarely a concern – your neighbors are few and far between, with plenty of lush greenery separating you from view. One could argue that the Hamptons are the perfect place for a modern home, just for this reason. 

Changed Tastes & Trends

Overall, people’s tastes change – whether it’s in regard to the style of home they want to live in or the style of clothing they wear. There’s a chance than in 10-20 years, homebuyers will be shirking modern styles and returning to more traditional architecture – or an entirely new style will develop.