Eisner Design, based in Manhattan and the Hamptons, was founded in 1992 by Joseph Eisner, AIA, LEED AP, an award-winning architect. Hallmarks of Eisner Design’s architectural practice include careful research, conceptual clarity, progressive modernist thinking, and a minimalist sensibility. As a strong proponent of sustainable design, Eisner Design incorporates green building fundamentals into every project. “Architecture is more of a process than a product,” said Eisner. “A dynamic space continues to respond and react, to evolve and adapt with its occupants.”
Eisner’s Greek Temple Pergola
The Greek Temple pergola is designed to be multifunctional, accommodating both an outdoor kitchen and dining space as well as a lounge seating area. Serving as the bridge between indoor and outdoor living during the seasonal months, the pergola has become the most sacred space where family and friends congregate. It has been conceived as a modern outdoor temple structure, set on a raised bluestone base that defines its footprint.
A 5-inch step up from the new mahogany deck creates a special bluestone platform for the pergola, reminiscent of a Greek Temple on its base. A discreet continuous lighting strip around the platform edge gives the base an ethereal floating quality when illuminated at night.
The pergola’s bluestone floor drops down to deck level, forming a direct path to the main pool steps and the pool’s coping surround. The facade, featuring four bold columns and rafter projections facing the pool, establishes the high point of the structure. From this high point, the roof rafters slope downward and wrap down to form angled columns on the rear elevation. The purlins supported by the rafters also wrap down the rear elevation, creating a privacy screen from the neighboring property.
Within each rafter bay is a concealed shade system that offers sun screening and rain protection. Each bay has its shade, providing flexibility for the desired levels of sunlight and shade in different areas of the pergola.
What inspired the Greek temple and modern twist design for the Pergola?
Joseph Eisner: The idea of the temple metaphor emphasizes the significance/sacredness of outdoor Hamptons living. The temple-like feeling is expressed by bold columns and structural elements and by raising the structure on a plinth of bluestone above the surrounding mohagany deck. Greek temples like the Parthenon are experienced as much, if not more, from the outside.
How does the Pergola bridge indoor and outdoor living, and what specific features make it ideal for seasonal use?
JE: The pergola is oriented to provide a direct view of the pool making it ideal for watching children and viewing back to the main living space of the house and vice versa. The direct visual orientation of the interior and exterior outdoor spaces facilitates direct cross-over between the two.
Can you explain the functionality of the raised Bluestone base and the ethereal lighting strip?
JE: The raised Bluestone base (plinth) creates a more special, sacred plinth/platform for the Pergola (temple-like).
How do the angled columns and privacy screen design enhance the overall privacy and aesthetic of the Pergola?
JE: The Side Elevation viewed from the main living space of the house with its angled roof and columns establishes a dramatic profile that opens up to the pool. The purlins covering the angled rear columns create a rear privacy screen for the adjacent property.
How does the concealed shade system work, and what benefits does it provide for users in terms of sun screening and rain protection?
JE: The sun shade system fits within the rafters of each of the 3-roof bays that can be independently activated to shade part or all of the pergola areas including dining and lounge areas.
Why was bluestone chosen for the floor material, and how does it contribute to the pergola’s seamless transition to the pool area?
JE: The bluestone was chosen to be a more permanent material than the surrounding mahogany deck. The bluestone drops down to become a runner directly to the axially aligned pool steps
What aspects of the pergola design make it ideal for entertaining family and friends as well as for personal relaxation?
JE: The pergola functions as a miniaturized outdoor version of a large house’s living space that combines a kitchen, dining, and living area under one roof. Often the space is used for many hours of the day and night as it facilitates the easy connection between all of these different functions.
How does this project incorporate Eisner Design’s commitment to sustainable and green building practices?
JE: The pergola is constructed with Blue Star plantation Mahogany and is built with significant structural members and plate connections to withstand the elements.
What has been the reaction of your clients to the pergola, and how does it compare to other projects you have worked on?
JE: My clients love the pergola and spend a great deal of their time with their guests socializing in the space. I have been fortunate to have been invited to a number of pergola gatherings by my clients.
What are your plans for expanding or innovating in the realm of modern outdoor living spaces?
JE: I am fascinated with designing outdoor structures that act as a transitional bridge between the realms of architecture and landscape as equal elements. Ultimately, I believe that designing these structures that allow us to enjoy and better appreciate nature leads to a more sustainable mindset towards the outdoors.
To learn more, visit eisnerdesign.com.
