Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Architect & Designer Visit: Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island

Search

Architect & Designer Visit: Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island

When NYC-based architect Cary Tamarkin and his family bought an unheated 1960s shack on Shelter Island as a weekend retreat, they lived in the existing structure for three years before rebuilding. According to interior designer Suzanne Shaker, a neighbor and frequent collaborator of Tamarkin’s, “the family learned to understand the rhythms of the light, water, and sand intimately; more importantly, they discovered how they wanted to live within those rhythms.”

The house they eventually built is an intimate response to the site; it’s constructed primarily of giant reclaimed old-growth cypress logs (the favored material of many classic masters, Frank Lloyd Wright included). A Japanese influence is evident in the honesty of the detailing, which dominates but is never overbearing. There is no need for air conditioning; the steady breeze from the water can be channeled and directed throughout the interiors through the many transom windows, each operated individually with tactile, stainless steel sailboat cranks. “I love the action of cranking them open,” Tamarkin says.

To see more of Cary Tamarkin’s work, go to Tamarkin Co. To see more of Suzanne Shaker’s projects, go to Suzanne Shaker. Landscape design on this Shelter Island project is by Edwina von Gal.

Photography by Bart Michiels.

tamarkin-shaker-shelter-island-exterior-tree

Gary Tamarkin's vacation home in Shelter Island

A breezeway in Cary Tamarkin's Shelter Island homeAbove: The living spaces and the family bedrooms are separated by a covered breezeway.

The living room of Cary Tamarkin's Shelter Island home

Above: Shaker outfitted the relaxed living spaces with casual midcentury pieces and a built-in platform sofa. Noguchi Akari Pendants are from the Noguchi Museum.

Cary Tamarkin's Shelter Island bedroomAbove: Japanese detailing is in evidence in this guest bedroom.

tamarkin-shaker-shelter-island-beamsAbove: The dominant wooden beams extend from interior to exterior, establishing the rhythm of the house.

Cary Tamarkin's Shelter Island kitchenAbove: The kitchen features utilitarian plywood cabinetry.

Summer sun slits through Cary Tamarkin's Shelter Island porchAbove: The movement of sunlight marks the progression of time; turning the house into a sundial on a summer’s day.

tamarkin-co-suzanne-shaker-outdoor-shower-remodelistaAbove: Tamarkin’s favorite spot is the open-air shower just outside his bedroom.

Gary Tamarkin's Shelter Island home glows at nightAbove: In the evenings, the house emits a warm, lantern-like glow.

Techler Design Group was the associate architect on this project.

(Visited 176 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0