Nature provided extraordinary vistas for this house in Southampton, which is built on a narrow strip of land bounded by Shinnecock Bay to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The client was intent on building a house with a distinctly Asian flavor, styled after houses he'd seen in Thailand and Japan.

Because the site is surrounded by wetlands and the fragile ecosystem they support, the zoning board prescribed an extremely tight building envelope. The house is built on wood pilings and the exterior is finished in mahogany siding, chosen for its durability in salty air and harsh elements -- and because it recalls the Thai houses the client admired.

A central stair tower intricately detailed in a glossy mahogany unifies the space while giving it an open, ship-like quality and permitting light and air to circulate.

A double-sided stone fireplace warms up the space. Floors are made from Brazilian cherry wood.

The client commissioned custom furniture, wall sconces, and a chandelier made from mahogany.

The house provides views of the ocean and bay from every floor, and features three spacious bed-bath suites, ideal for overnight guests. Windows are treated with custom bi-folding shutters fashioned from mahogany slats. Railings, also crafted from mahogany, reflect the Thai influence.

The gunite pool features a vanishing edge, easily camouflaged in the encroaching marsh.