Page 26 - ArchDC_Summer_2018

ArchDC Summer 2018.qxp_Summer 2018 5/25/18 2:13 PM Page 24

View from the house toward the water.

As suggested by the careful planning of the Hub (a back-of- The house has a clean, transitional styling. “A combination of
house service space that often gets short shrift), these owners take modern and gnarly” is Williams’ descriptor; “part farmhouse, part
weekending at the beach seriously. Connections to the landscape shed, part modern” is Gardner’s. Although a modicum of messiness
and fresh air were vital. Many new houses in the area are raised is, arguably, part of the beach house vibe, the architects worked to
an entire story off the ground. That conveniently puts the cars tame it here. In contrast to the original mid-century house, there is
underneath, but it’s higher than needed to resist storm surges, and plenty of storage. Separate dedicated spaces are provided for bicycles,
it tends to turn the surroundings into something one views rather beach equipment, kayaks, and outdoor furnishings. This facilitates
than engages with directly. This house is raised four feet—adequate use of these items—important in a weekend house where time is
for flood insurance requirements—but the yard is terraced up to limited—while reducing clutter.
mostly eliminate the need for guardrails, minimizing obstructions The house faces west-southwest to the canal, potentially a
to the view and facilitating access to the natural landscape. terrible orientation for a beach house, given the movement of the

24 NOT ROUGHING IT