East Deck

Originally constructed in the 1950's, The East Deck Motel was regarded as the iconic surfer's retreat in Ditch Plains. The site is a 4.14 acre oceanfront property located in Montauk, NY. The south side of the property is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and the east side of the property abuts a large beach parking lot surrounded by a vegetated thicket. The western property line is flanked by a public beach access throughfare and parking lot. The norther lot line is bordered by Deforest Road, with residential lots lining the opposite side of the street.

Native vegetation onsite includes Beach Plum, Switchgrass, Bayberry, and Japanese Honeysuckle. The planting concept is based on blending the site and its native context by utilizing native plants that naturally thrive in the harsh growing conditions. From the northern approach along Deforest Road, Tree-Form Bayberry, Eastern Red Cedar and Switch Grass have been used to soften the building and buffer road noise.

On the ocean side of the site an expansion of the existing dune restoration is proposed, which includes a bio-swale rain garden that will gather storm water runoff. Where the architecture provides protection from western winds, Shadblow and Cherry are proposed to create shady spots for picnicking. The large open area to the south of the pool is programmed as a multiuse space meant for beach volleyball, sunbathing, or entertainment. Plants have been integrated into the architecture through the use of a proposed sedum green roof, which help insulate the building by covering up open portions of the rooftop.