Architecture practice Studio Vural has envisioned a seaside holiday dwelling that is carved into sand dunes and operates without relying on public utilities.
Dune House is designed for a coastal site in Wellfleet, a small hamlet located on the hook-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
The architect Selim Vural, who leads an eponymous firm in Brooklyn, knows the area well, as he vacations there with his family every summer.
After years of studying the local climate, landscape and architecture, Vural was approached by a New York City real estate developer seeking to build a personal holiday house on the beach. Vural conceived a two-storey, self-sufficient dwelling that is carved into sand dunes. He calls it "subtractive architecture".
"Since the house is only recognisable from sea as a circle with a cut, it blends seamlessly with nature," Vural said. "The shoreline silhouette remains unchanged ? the house is immersed, not imposed."
Vural said that construction is scheduled to begin this fall, noting that he is "looking further into coastal regulations".
In plan, the upper level of Dune House takes the shape of an octagon. It consists of two wings that are linked by a central breezeway. This top floor houses public functions, such as a kitchen and dining area.
Stairs lead down to the lower level ? which is rectangular in plan ? where the architect has placed a series of bedrooms and a den. Wedge-shaped windows are designed to ...