West Beech

Sustainable Beach House

"Build UP // West Beech" is a sustainable, single-family home in the West End of Long Beach, NY. It is the first self-initiated project by THE UP STUDIO which aims to develop concept-driven architecture within Long Island's most vibrant, walkable downtowns. Acting as architects, interior architects, and brand designers while also acting as the developer for the project allowed a freedom to execute long-held design concepts and resulted in a home that acts as a living billboard to showcase these ideals.

Our Services

Architecture
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Concept & Programming
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Schematic Design
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Design Development
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Construction Documents
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Bidding & Value Engineering
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Construction Administration
Interior Architecture
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Interior Architecture
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Interior Architecture Selections
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Interior Construction Documents
Brand Design
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Visual Identity
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Diagrams
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Renderings
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Art Direction
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Illustrations
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Plans & Elevations
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Maps & Infographics
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Motion Graphics
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Social Media Content
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Web Design & Development
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Print Collateral
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Signage & Wayfinding
Development
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Site Selection
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Feasibility Studies
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Investor Deck
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Acquisition Consulting
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Due Diligence

The home’s modern design features an open floor plan, ocean views, a roof deck, multiple balconies, allocated space for solar panels, and a location in the West End neighborhood of Long Beach that provides close access to the beach and local businesses and restaurants, as well as direct access to New York City on the Long Island Rail Road.

Core Design Concepts

SOLAR STRATEGY
The balconies lining the south side of the home are calibrated according to the sun’s angle. In the summer, when the sun is highest in the sky, the balconies provide shade from unnecessary direct sunlight yet in the cold winter months they allow the natural solar heating into the home.

CENTRAL CORE
Utilities are consolidated into an active core that brings all fixed elements to the center of the home and clears the facade for maximum fenestration. This organization enables a fully open, rectangular floor plan with maximum flexibility.

FOOTPRINT
Due to its proximity to the beach, the home is raised above the floodplain to provide safety from potential flooding. Additionally, The footprint is reduced, which helps to define entry and provide additional covered parking while begin minimally invasive to the site.

MATERIAL PALETTE
The minimal palette creates a simple, bold connections between the interior and exterior. The interior relies on light, natural wood and white walls which contrast the dark, charcoal stairs and ebony-stained cedar of the home's exterior.

BRAND DESIGN
While under construction the team developed a visual identity for the home which included architectural diagrams, models, illustrations, motion graphics, and renderings to help visualize the future project and allow potential buyers to understand the value of the homes sensible design. That visual identity was carried out through a custom website and on print collateral used for real estate marketing.