The Country Lane Residence, designed as a ground up, customized new construction home by KSD, was recently published by Interiors Magazine in their August + September 2024 issue, titled "Grand Expectations." Read more below about the project, and check out the article in print and digitally on pages 62-72, here.
In 2017, the team at Kamlesh Shah Designs, Inc. began sketches for a rare residential venture for their longtime commercial client - one that resulted in a 15,405 square foot home meant for generations to come, perched on 8.25 acres surrounded by stunning Long Island greenery. Bound only by zoning and building department limitations, we jumped on the abstract challenge as the Executive Designer and Architect of Record to design a timeless family home that could be treasured for generations.
The earliest concept plans drawn by the KSD team for the private Long Island residence featured a long, symmetrical, stepped front façade, and a backyard that was meant to envelop visitors – both concepts that made it into the final plan. Program studies, block diagrams and sketch concepts evolved into floor plans featuring amenities ideal for a large and social family; eight bedrooms, three kitchens, a great room, bar, wine cellar, gym, and a home theater, to name a few.
By request of the owner, the building is oriented on site so that the entrance door faces east, following a principal guideline of the Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system of architecture based on alignments and energies. With its east orientation and elongated L-shape formed by a six-car garage at one end of the property, the building frames out its own environment, and thus creates a drawn-out ingress and a circuitous approach to the house. Stretching out over eight acres, the dwelling sits like a quiet resort at the end of a wooded private lane after allowing the visitor only glimpses beyond the trees. With this gradual reveal, the considerable size, juxtaposition of black and white, and sharp but refined features of the home are blended well with the warm aura that emanates from the earthy surrounding.
When walking the site during the design process, the KSD team immediately recognized that this house would require several vantage points to complement and appreciate the beauty of its natural surroundings. In response, the house was designed with balconies at four bedrooms, a 650 SF open roof terrace, massive two-story windows at two sides, a walkout basement framed by an arcade, and a two-level deck and patio that connect to an infinity edge pool and hot tub – just some of the ways one can enjoy the views. The beautifully landscaped property also features a pool house, gardens, and hardscapes that complement the gorgeous existing and newly planted trees and flora. Heated and cooled by geothermal pumps, and with a first floor entirely packed with radiant floor heating, this home operates cleanly too.
Limestone lends itself as a neutral backdrop to hydrangeas and decade-old maple trees – and it was always part of the vision. Because of its global availability and innately monumental appearance, limestone slabs have been used for everything from Wonders of the World to classic institutional buildings to Yankee Stadium. Sourced from Indiana, the nearly four-inch-thick limestone sections span all sides of the residence, and each door and window are capped with custom designed and carved ornate limestone trims, keystones, and lintels. Paired with darkened cast iron railings, slate roofs and gold leaf accents, the façade suggests a Parisian aesthetic, while the sharp trio of gables are reminiscent of an American dwelling.
Executive Architect: Kamlesh Shah Designs, Inc.
Kamlesh M. Shah, RA, AIA – Project Principal
Suchita K. Shah, AIA, NCARB, LEED Associate – Lead Designer
Matthew Sullivan, AIA – Design Management
Ishita Kachru, LEED Green Associate – Project Designer
Interior Designer: Adam Cassino Design
General Contractors: Qualico Construction and Taj Construction
Site Engineer: Northcoast Civil (formerly Bladykas & Panetta)
Landscape Design: Landscape Techniques
Photographer: Gianni Franchellucci
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