House In The Dunes

The house is situated in an environmentally sensitive area with a fragile dune scape. The ocean resides within walking distance and becomes visually apparent on the second floor and roof deck. With the ocean comes the harsh salt air. The house presents a stoic facade to the street, maximizing it’s frontage with weather resistant cement board panels, which will be able to withstand the sand and salt without aging or losing it’s appeal. Once inside it is clear that the backside is threading it’s way through the dune so as to not disturb it. The resulting volume literally hugs the dune while providing privacy and a play of indoor and outdoor space at the same time. Each level offers a different experience, with the lower level focusing on nestling into the dune. The next level up allows for the expanse of the open views and ample opportunity to interact with the outdoors on decks. The roof offers a habitable deck that not only provides viewing of the great expanse of the ocean beyond, but also a green roof and a place for the solar panels that generate energy for the house. Solar screens are employed in both vertical and horizontal configuration to keep the energy consumption of the house down.