THE 2006 HC&G IDEA HOUSE

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With the house he designed on Calf Creek for developer Richard Gherardi of Sand Dollar Development, Semes explores an American vernacular style, which is a mix of two found in the area.

"It has shingle-style elements like the covered porches," Semes explains, "and also Arts and Crafts elements like the sloping roof and tall chimneys."

Gherardi, who has been building houses in the Hamptons for 20 years, was intent on making a house with lasting qualities. "The experience that people actually feel walking through the house is a direct reflection of the materials and construction techniques that we employed," Gherardi explains. "We had a great working relationship with Steven Semes and followed his specs very closely. The house has the right amount of rooms with the right proportions, and the architecture is highly detailed."

The suites of principal rooms face the water, and the great room has a high ceiling to create a bit of drama. However, the floor plan doesn't feel choppy, but has a great flow from one space to the next. These are not amorphous spaces but distinct rooms with specific reasons for being where they are. Located in Water Mill on Calf Creek, an extension of Mecox Bay, the house enables residents to go fishing or boating. As befits an Arts and Crafts house, the numerous outdoor terraces and balconies at the 2006 HC&G Idea House blend seamlessly from the interiors to the garden beyond.

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