# Environmentally Sensitive Abodes The Harbor House Takes the Delicate Site into Consideration By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-11-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harbor-house References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2014/11/03/northwest-harbor-house-by-bates-masi-architects/) & [batesmasi](http://www.batesmasi.com/) Bates Masi + Architects designed the 'Northwest Harbor House,' a single family home located in East Hampton, New York. The home's precarious location near [freshwater wetlands and a tidal inlet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shor-house) required the architects to proceed with extreme caution and environmental sensitivity. FEMA required the home's ground floor be raised above the base flood elevation. The architects responded to the limitation by designing a single-story structure elevated eight feet above the ground. The 1,900-square-foot plan necessitated a creative internal structure to ensure quality air circulation and light entry. The enclosed walls of the bedrooms are bolstered by 16 exposed piles, which extend from the ground up. Between the piles, the architects established utility spaces such as pantries, closets and laundry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Environmentally Conscious Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new building techniques and materials that minimize environmental impact and withstand natural elements. - **Elevated Single-story Structures:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative designs for single-story homes that are raised above ground level to mitigate flood and environmental risks. - **Internal Structure Optimization:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design interior layouts that maximize air circulation and natural light entry, even within compact floor plans. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture & Construction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable building solutions and resilient designs that address environmental challenges and regulatory requirements. - **Environmental Consulting:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Provide expertise in assisting architects and developers with environmental impact assessments and sustainable design strategies. - **Building Materials Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create eco-friendly building materials that are resilient, cost-effective, and contribute to sustainable construction practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Elevated Timber-Clad Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victory-bay-house.md) - [Elevated Coastal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monterey-home.md) - [Cedar-Clad L-Shaped Beach Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ospreys-landing.md) - [Coastal Island Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasparakisfriel.md) - [Flood-Mitigating Wooden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ushijima-architects.md) - [Coastal Summer Calm Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hors.md) - [Elevated Flood Refuge Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lift-house.md) - [Coastal Sensory Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/standing-wave-house.md) - [Tree-Lined Striking Modern Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palette-architecture.md)