A carefully crafted home for a couple and their family looking to 
slow down on Long Beach Island. Located on a particularly narrow stretch of the 
barrier island, the house responds to the site’s unique positioning to maximize 
expansive views towards both the bay and the ocean. The site is situated three 
lots back from the oceanfront and bound directly to the west by the historic Long 
Beach Island Fishing Club -- whose facilities and parking area occupy the entire 
depth of the block along the site’s western boundary. The Fishing Club building is set 
back from the street front, exposing the entire western facade of the Gap House 
to views of the bay that would otherwise typically be restricted by adjoining single-family residences. The name "Gap House" was coined in response to various water views strategically framed throughout the house between gaps in the surrounding 
properties.

        
The primary suite and living spaces are elevated to the uppermost floor to capture 
ocean views with an abundance of glass. Large sliding glass doors open the living 
space to a generously sized, ocean-facing covered deck. A band of horizontal 
windows stretches across the west facade, connecting the ocean to the bay. The 
first-floor level, which is elevated to accommodate local flood zone regulations, 
sits just below the top of the dunes, and is predominated by views towards the 
bay. A western oriented screened porch is attached to a lower-level media room 
and lounge. Bedrooms at this level are situated along the east side of the house, 
away from the early morning bustle and banter of anglers in the parking lot of the 
fishing club, located next door. Outdoor showers and beach storage are secluded 
for privacy beneath the house, facing the rear yard. A rear exterior stair connected 
to a patio at grade leads to a secondary foyer and laundry room at the first floor. 
The main stair and elevator are centrally located, bisecting the overall mass of the 
building. Carefully placed windows at each landing frame views of the bay, inviting 
a moment of pause.

Eastern White Cedar shingles clad the elevated rectilinear volumes, embracing 
the elements while weathering to a natural silver grey. Cement board panels, 
suggestive of natural stone, define the base of the building. Colored accent panels 
stretch out to engage the street front and draw users in towards the main entry at 
the ground floor.