189
These three homes are located on an east-facing steep slope on the Port Washington, New York Peninsula. They
are part of 43 closely spaced homes — capped at 1,500 square feet each — and comprise a co-op, formally a
bungalow colony built on an abandoned early 20th century sand and gravel quarry. Given the proximity of the
adjacent homes and the steepness of the hill, construction of these new homes has incorporated innovative
excavation and foundation techniques.
In the cliffside home on the facing page top and bottom left, an L-plan configuration creates privacy. The main
level is an open family space for cooking, eating, and lounging. The main stair goes to the bedroom level, and
a perpendicular stair continues down into a walkout cellar which includes a bedroom, office, laundry, and
recreation area.
In the home on the facing page bottom right, the plan is configured around an entry courtyard which opens
circulation to the rear terraces and allows views from the underground guest room, which is covered in a green
roof.
On this page, the view from the harbor showcases the ziggurat configuration of the mostly glazed, east-facing
façade. The primary bedroom on the upper floor has a solar panel roof. Because much of the home is below grade
and super-insulated, very little energy is required to maintain a comfortable environment. The image above is the
bay view of the first home Narofsky designed in the community. Clad in a weathered Ipe ventilated façade the
home is deeply anchored into the hill. The plan is organized around a water-facing courtyard which opens to a
more panoramic view while maintaining privacy.
Photography by Phillip Ennis Productions
Designed by Narofsky Architecture, New York, NY, page 384
