Cocoon House by Nea Studio

Embodying environmental design, Cocoon House fosters a sense of wellbeing through its harmonious relationship with nature.

The influence of Scandinavian architecture is evident throughout the project, with Nea Studio using organic shapes and natural materials to create an eco-friendly home. Located close to the coast, Cocoon House sits on a compound property shared by Nina Edwards Anker, founder of Nea Studio, and her brother. “This house is based on my PhD thesis, which I wrote in Scandinavia, and is very much about the house being small in a vast natural setting,” says Anker. The piece suggests that by engaging all five senses in the embrace of nature, a biophilic design can improve a resident’s mental state. Cocoon House is an example of such a design and also reflects changes in the environment: during the day, sunlight enters the home through coloured skylights, casting light rays ranging from yellow to red across the interiors.

Embodying environmental design, Cocoon House fosters a sense of wellbeing through its harmonious relationship with nature.

Adopting the Scandinavian approach to architecture, Nea Studio shapes Cocoon House in relation to its site. The smooth curve of the building not only allows natural light to enter the home at interesting angles but also creates a canvas for light reflecting off water from the pool. “People have said they feel like they’re inside an ocean wave,” says Anker. In homage to the quintessential Long Island home, cedar shingles cover the outside of Cocoon House, while the internal structure, consisting of bent wood, evokes the idea of cedar saplings bent to form wigwams.

Entered from the north, Cocoon House contains a spacious living-kitchen-dining area followed by a corridor leading to the bedroom wing. After the laundry room, residents find two children’s bedrooms, each with a mezzanine. “Then we have the main bedroom, which is my favourite place,” says Anker. “It has a view towards the ocean and over the open lawn where you can see the sea breeze coming through the trees.” From the primary bedroom, a sliding door opens to a patio and cistern; the calming body of water reflects the image of sunsets in the winter and moderates the temperature in summer.

Adopting the Scandinavian approach to architecture, Nea Studio shapes Cocoon House in relation to its site.

“As the mother of a cancer survivor, I’m very aware of the natural and non-toxic nature of my interiors,” says Anker. “All of the materials for the beds and the upholstered furniture are [found] within 500 miles, according to LEED protocol. The cistern – which is at the foot of the windows – also collects 50% per cent of rainwater, which is then recirculated into a non-chlorine filtering system.” The bathrooms are designed using white Vermont Danby marble, the flooring is made from locally-sourced oak and the patios, hearth and kitchen countertop are local bluestone.

Cocoon House serves as a key example of building with nature. Using curvaceous architecture and thoughtful interiors, Nea Studio spreads knowledge of environmental design while establishing an inviting family home.

Architecture, interior design and landscape design by Nea Studio. Build by Licciardi Builders. Electrical engineering by Avioworks. Structural engineering by Laufs Engineering Design.