CASE STUDY
MODERATING MODULAR
Shift House is comprised of three modules and five panels . The modules form each of the bedroom wings and the central kitchen , living room , and dining room . The five panels were used to supplement the height of the living module . Once fabricated , the house was assembled on site within a day , including MEP systems . Floor finishes , exterior cladding , and selective millwork were installed on-site afterwards . Palette ’ s initial steps focused on overcoming the traditional shortcomings of modular construction . Transportation constraints typically provide less than ideal room dimensions , requiring overlapping modules at critical areas . Similarly , traditional module heights preclude grand spaces , which the firm overcame using prefabricated panels to extend the living module ’ s height . Dozens of configurations were developed and evaluated to balance spatial quality against constructability . Ultimately , the architects arrived at a scheme with two-bedroom wings that connected to a central , high-ceilinged living space .
INVITING NATURE INSIDE
The L-shaped house anchors one edge of a grassy lawn in the back of the property , with the other edges defined by a minimalist swimming pool and rows of trees . An elevated deck forms a transition from the interior . The lush landscaping of the rear contrasts against the front ’ s gravel and drought-resistant plantings , which offers a sparser appearance to passersby . This enclosed lawn is private and relatively secluded , encapsulating the home ’ s role as an escape to nature for the family .
The interior of the house is designed to draw in views of the landscaped courtyard . Large windows occupy two walls of the living space , overlooking the rear . Bedrooms and bathrooms also look onto a courtyard , which forms the backdrop to those rooms .
INTERIOR CHARACTER
Millwork elements were used as a means of creating a unique character element in each of the spaces , as well as a method for allowing the modules to connect more seamlessly . Cabinetry materials were selected for natural textures , lending variation to each piece .
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TECHNICAL SHEET :
Project Name : Shift House Location : The Springs , East Hampton , NY Client : Withheld Architecture Firm : Palette Architecture Typology : Single-family Residence Project Start : August 2020 Project Completed : June 2024 Total area : 1,850 SF Budget : $ 1.0MM Photographer credits : Jody Kivort
TEAM CREDITS :
Managing Partner ( s ): Peter Miller Project Designers : Daniel Lin , Jeremy Wooldridge , Fan Lu Contractors : Cedar Knolls Homes Pre-fabricator : Simplex Homes Custom Millwork : Shepard Co MEP Engineer : RAAD Interior Architecture : Palette Architecture Landscape Architect : Whitney ' s Landscaping
MATERIALS & SUPPLIERS :
Wood Siding : ReSawn Timber Co . Tiles : Nemo Tile , Cle Tile , Tile Bar Doors and Windows : Anderson E-series Fireplace : Urbana Mech . Grilles : Architectural Grilles Bathroom fixtures : Toto , Kohler Architectural Software : Autodesk Revit
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