Fire Island Retreat Meets Woodform® Concrete

Perched along the shores of Fire Island, New York, this breathtaking oceanfront residence has been thoughtfully reimagined as a modern coastal sanctuary, where the boundaries between indoors and out dissolve effortlessly.  

Designed for a dynamic, multi-generational family with a passion for entertaining, this home encapsulates a refined blend of durability, natural beauty, and understated luxury. At the heart of this transformation lies a material that blurs the distinction between art and function – Woodform® Concrete. 

Design Vision 

This summer retreat embodies the essence of modern coastal design, embracing a palette inspired by nature’s tranquility. "We wanted to create a space that felt like an extension of the outdoors—calm, inviting, and effortlessly beautiful," shares designer, Chasity Centeno of Riese Design.  

Organic textures, warm wood tones, and tactile elements cultivate a sensory experience that seamlessly integrates with the stunning oceanfront surroundings. The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters an uninterrupted connection to the landscape, while the carefully curated materials ensure resilience against the coastal elements—wind, rain, snow, and ocean spray—without compromising elegance. 

Indoor-Outdoor Integration 

The home’s defining feature is its fluid transition between indoor and outdoor living, exemplified by twin bars that mirror one another to create a cohesive, uninterrupted flow. A thoughtfully designed garage-style window lifts with ease, opening the space to breathtaking ocean vistas and inviting natural light to flood the interiors.  

"This feature allowed for effortless entertainment, and a continuous connection between guests inside and out," Centeno explains. This seamless design encourages movement between environments, enhancing the home’s ability to accommodate gatherings that extend from the cozy indoors to the open-air expanse beyond. 

Material Selection: Woodform Concrete 

Material choice played a pivotal role in the success of this project, where beauty and durability were equally paramount. "Woodform Concrete was a no-brainer for this space," notes Centeno. "It delivers the organic warmth we wanted while standing up to the harsh coastal environment."  

Engineered to withstand the elements, Woodform Concrete ensures these surfaces remain pristine and timeless for years to come.  

The Trueform Experience 

Collaborating with Trueform Concrete proved to be an effortless and enriching experience. "Trueform understood exactly what we needed and worked with us every step of the way," recalls the Centeno.  

 From the initial concept discussions to the precise execution, Trueform demonstrated a deep respect and appreciation for the project’s vision. Centeno provided a color sample, and the team crafted a flawless match. Between the custom finish and the freeform live edge detail along the perimeter, the organic feel of the bar’s design really came to life.  

“For color matching to truly succeed, our clients will send us physical sample that we then replicate as close as possible.” Remarks Paul, Creative Director at Trueform. “Ideally, that would be an actual piece of wood as it’s the truest representation possible. But we routinely match other types of physical samples, such as tile or vinyl planks. We avoid trying to color match from images as this method has not proven to deliver reliable results.” 

Installation Adventures 

The installation process was an adventure in itself—requiring transportation by car, ferry, golf cart, and a flight of stairs to reach the secluded barrier island. "Watching the installers navigate through all these challenges with such dedication was truly impressive," Centeno adds.  

“Despite these logistical challenges, the end result was nothing short of spectacular, a true reflection of Trueform’s commitment to excellence,” said Centeno. 

For this vibrant, multi-generational family, the space offers the perfect blend of sophistication and practicality, providing a backdrop for both lively summer gatherings and intimate winter evenings.  

"It’s exactly what I envisioned—a space that is as beautiful as it is functional," Centeno reflects. With Trueform Concrete, the vision was clear: create a space that embodies timeless beauty, unwavering strength, and a seamless connection to nature. Mission accomplished.

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The Art and Science of Woodform Concrete 

 Woodform Concrete is a unique material that combines the visual appeal of natural wood with the durability and resilience of concrete. Unlike traditional wood, which can warp, crack, or decay over time, Woodform Concrete maintains its integrity in the face of environmental stressors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, and salt exposure. 

Each piece is meticulously crafted using molds made from real wood surfaces, capturing the intricate grain patterns and textures that make natural wood so appealing. The result is a surface that looks and feels like wood but offers the strength and longevity of concrete. 

This innovative material is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, seamlessly blending into a variety of design styles while offering unparalleled performance. Whether used for countertops, furniture, or architectural elements, Woodform Concrete is a sophisticated choice for those who seek the warmth of wood without the maintenance concerns associated with natural materials.