While modernist in its planning, this project draws inspiration from the traditional, vernacular house forms of the South Carolina coast.

Deep porches and roof overhangs protect the interiors from the South Carolina sun. Tall windows allow for ample natural light and cooling ocean breezes. An ordered grid and axial lines of sight were used to organize the design. The structural columns at the front porch express the grid (or spacing) that carries through to the rear pool deck. These columns give the home a more modernized feel.

During early construction visits to the site, my client and I hit upon the idea of using palmetto trees to increase shade for the rear elevated pool terrace. The grid-like foundation grade beams were already in place, so we planted the trees in the spaces in-between the beams. Then, we built the wooden pool terrace around them. One of the clients is an artist/painter, and the round conical roofed room at the front of the house is her studio and office. Facing directly east the morning sun in the studio is filtered through a palmetto tree and hurricane shutters. The ornamental steel weathervane @ Studio Roof was fabricated here in Cincinnati.

The interior features painted horizontal tongue-in-groove wood planking at all interior walls and ceilings. This is a detail typical of the region and an opportunity to use sustainable wood as opposed to drywall.

Material Used :

1. 5“ strip maple – interior flooring

2. IPE hardwood – exterior decking

3. Isokern – chimney caps

4. Cedar shakes - exterior siding

5. James Hardie cementitious vertical siding – exterior siding

6. 5v crimp metal - roofing

7. Contemporary Images - Weathervane

8. Disher Cabinets - Custom Cabinetry

9. Andersen Windows – windows and doors