Project Description
A project that began as a renovation ended as a tear down and new construction. The owners purchased a 6-year-old $7.7 million house on a significant beach-front property planning to renovate to their requirements. Once surgery began, it quickly became apparent that the construction quality of the existing home was not up to standard and design possibilities would be limited, so the existing home was demolished.
The new design was required to follow the CC&R regulations of the original house, including footprint square footage and overall height constraints. Challenges included access to the site being limited to a 35’ access point, the house being zero lot line on two sides, and the closest neighboring house being only 5′ away.
The owners desired the new home to effortlessly blend with the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood. Inspired by the silhouettes of the British West Indies, genuine, durable building materials lend a layer of sophistication with copper downspouts and gutters, refined timber porch detailing, an authentic lime-based Italian stucco exterior finish, gas lanterns, antique Jerusalem terrace stone, and a rich palette of natural colors.
With the home being sited on one of the town’s many public greens, privacy was a key consideration. Deep eaves provide shade from the afternoon sun as well as privacy, while open living spaces with vaulted ceilings of maximum height provide a rich array of natural light.
Exterior porches have easy access to an indoor bar, and outdoor grilling is adjacent the kitchen on the second-level porch. The garage was discreetly incorporated into the main house form, whereas the previous garage/carriage house was detached. The new home also features certified fortified construction and structural design to withstand a low category 5 hurricane.