Shoreline
An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about shoreline
Project • By Heliotrope Architects • Private Houses
Eight Bells Residence
Sun, wind and light - these elements are central to our design work, however our response to them differs from place to place. This project, situated on an ocean-front site at 25 degrees N latitude, is exposed to extreme ocean winds and intense sunlight. Additionally, the building site is 12 feet above sea level, subjecting it to potential coastal storm surge. These site factors greatly influenced our design response for this retreat home, to be built for an American family of five.
Our design solution features careful placement of openings to avoid wind, and the ability to manage wind via carefully placed operable window-walls. Intense sunlight is managed through shading of all dwelling areas, inside and out. ... More
Project • By Heliotrope Architects • Private Houses
Lone Madrone Residence
Located on a rocky, wind-swept south facing shoreline; this 1,600sf retreat home nestles into the landscape in order to harmonize with it’s surroundings and minimize exposure to weather. Designed with retractable wall panels to protect from punishing winter storms, the house nevertheless opens up completely to the outdoors when the weather is fair — allowing the owners to fully interact with the landscape and view. The site is within the San Juan Islands National Monument, with extremely sensitive shorelines and marine environment. In order to minimize impacts to natural systems, a garden roof was employed to replace landscape lost to construction, and storm-water flows were engineered to replicate the pre-construction condition... More