Everyone knows that The Hamptons is home to some of the finest residences in the world, but now, one Hamptons home is receiving international accolades for featuring some of the finest design.

House at Sagaponac, a Wainscott home planned by Richard Meier and designed by Calvin Tsao of  TsAO & McKOWN Architects, has won a 2009 Housing Award from the American Institute of Architecture.

This year, the American Institute of Architecture honored 17 homes for outstanding design, and House at Sagaponac, a stunning residence designed with no particular client in mind, quite deservedly received recognition.

House at Sagaponac, according to TsAO & McKOWN Architects:

A custom-designed house for a hypothetical client explores the universal human desire for both orderliness and spontaneity, while firmly rooting itself to the landscape and creating privacy by shaping the terrain.

The American Institute of Architecture adds:

A significant issue was how to root the house to the earth; the nearly flat site in a young growth forest offered no footing. By reshaping the topography, the architects were able to establish the first level slightly below grade and sculpted the surrounding terrain into a gentle rise. The house functions on multiple levels - as much an intimate retreat for two (or one) as an accommodating host to an extended family (or numerous guests).

It is something wonderful, and we suggest everyone pop over to Wainscott for a look.

Congratulations to Richard Meier, Calvin Tsao and everyone at TsAO & McKOWN Architects.

RELATED: Richard Meier, master planner for House at Sagaponac, talks architecture & design with friend Kelly Killoren Bensimon. (See Attached Video)

See the full list of winners at www.AIA.org.

View more photos of House at Sagaponac at TsAO & McKOWN Architects.

Update: This post originally identified Richard Meier as lead designer. In fact, Meier master-planned the House at Sagaponac, while Calvin Tsao of TsAO & McKOWN Architects was the lead designer. Apologies all around, & again congratulations to everyone involved. (Thanks Nilay!)