Tyndal Point
Geometric Ripples Within the Landscape
Project Details
Firm: CookFox Architects
Client: Private Resident
Location: New Haven, Long Island, NY
Type: Private Residence
Size: 24,000 SF
Year: 2023 (involved from 2020-2021)
As BIM Manager and leader of the exteriors team, I oversaw the development of a fully coordinated drawing set from design development through construction administration. I played a key role in resolving the project's complex geometry, producing detailed diagrams and drawings to guide construction. My work involved coordinating the installation of concrete, steel, cross-laminated timber, and glulam elements, managing clash detection—particularly with HVAC systems—and troubleshooting modeling issues across teams. I also created high-quality BIM assets and facilitated collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors. During construction, I reviewed submittals, responded to RFIs, conducted regular site visits, and communicated directly with the general contractor—answering field questions and helping resolve issues. My contributions helped bridge design and execution, enabling an ambitious concept to become a precise and coordinated reality.
View of entrance
Nestled within a 55-acre wooded site overlooking Sag Harbor Bay, Tyndal Point emerges almost organically from its coastal setting. Designed as a net-positive residence, its elliptical form and sustainable material palette allow it to integrate effortlessly into the landscape. Prioritizing environmental responsibility and immersive living, the design enhances the experience of place—creating a retreat that is both grounded and open to its surroundings.
Aerial view
Tyndal Point’s elliptical form is inspired by Danish mathematician Piet Hein’s super-ellipse geometry, chosen for its balance between organic fluidity and geometric precision. Like ripples expanding across water, its soft contours shape the experience of the home—dissolving rigid boundaries and allowing the built and natural environments to flow together.
Arrival view
A winding path through dense forest slowly reveals glimpses of Tyndal Point’s elliptical silhouette, building a sense of arrival. The approach frames the home as an extension of the landscape, allowing it to emerge as part of the terrain rather than an object placed within it.
View from bridge
A glass bridge delicately links the main house and guest quarters, hovering just above the terrain to preserve uninterrupted sightlines. More than circulation, it becomes a framing device—curating views of the harbor and forest while reinforcing the home’s relationship to its setting.
Wall section at bridge
Exterior view
Hand-laid Petersen brick wraps Tyndal Point in a rhythmic texture that follows its curving form, grounding it in the landscape. Earthy tones and textured surfaces catch shifting light, while verdigris-patinated copper accents recall the weathered metal of historic coastal architecture. The interplay between these elements enhances the project’s timeless materiality, celebrating craftsmanship and longevity.
Brick zipper detail
Copper coping detail
Typical wall section details
View of planted interior courtyard
Carved into the home’s elliptical geometry, the courtyards create quiet moments of refuge within the structure. Open to the sky and lushly planted, they filter dappled light and coastal breezes, heightening the connection between interior and landscape. The exterior’s blackened cedar cladding serves as a quiet counterpoint, its weathered finish echoing the surrounding tree bark and further dissolving the boundary between built and natural forms.
View from double-height courtyard
View of dining room
Inside, the material palette shifts to warmth and tactility. Exposed heavy timber beams recall the craftsmanship of whaling vessels, their rhythm reinforcing the home’s fluid geometry. Soft natural finishes deepen the sensory experience, balancing the openness of expansive glazing with the enveloping warmth of wood. Together, these elements create a space that feels both sheltered and connected to its surroundings.
View of living room
Aerial view from bay
Like ripples on the shoreline, Tyndal Point’s elliptical form and textured façade emerge from the landscape, shaped by its surroundings. Courtyards open the home to shifting light and air, while natural materials anchor it in place. More than a residence, Tyndal Point is a reflection of the rhythms and permanence of its coastal environment.