This 1,980 square foot, four season beach house is a daylight and view driven design with a crisp, clean cottage vernacular.

Our clients, long time residents of the area, sought a quieter location within the community. They found a site with a small, dilapidated cottage that was a tear down. The site offered a quiet setting with spectacular southerly views of the tidal marsh, across to the main beach, and beyond.

The pair of second story gables frame a transparent connecting form that bridges the two parts of the home. This bridge of clerestory windows introduces daylight deep into the heart of the house. The two second floor decks further flow from the lower level, up the stair, and outside.

The 1st floor is organized in a linear fashion with its public spaces spread out along the view and daylight. The cottage has a traditional porch shed roof on the water side that acts as an extension of the living/dining/kitchen and is filled with an arc'ed sweeping window wall inviting the view.

The exterior finishes were selected for a traditional feel in it cottage community while also providing a low maintenance package. The envelope is well insulated, resulting a high performance building. The interior finishes reflect a clean and contemporary palate. The floors are engineered white oak (over radiantly heated floors) and the stair and rails are oak as well. The stainless cable railing from the exterior roof decks flows inside, becoming the railing system for the inner stair as well, strengthening the tie from inside to exterior.