This North Shore beach house is a new two-story structure that is a modern take on the Cape-Cod style house. This project was completed along with the architectural firm of Charles Myer & Partners of Cambridge with interior design by Andra Birkerts Interior Design. In building this vacation home the client had two goals in mind: optimize the ocean views and create a floor plan that can easily accommodate immediate as well as extended family.

Situated very close to the ocean on a ledge, a major challenge involved excavation, concrete work and water-proofing. The proximity to the shoreline required specialty structural work and window and door specifications. In addition, zoning approval was granted based on maintaining the footprint, height and floor area of a prior structure. The house has a summer cottage feel with modern comforts. Lifestyle and environmental considerations ruled out central air-conditioning, to keep the house cool we created an innovative passive ventilation air shaft and cupola. The house also features a number of bedroom and sleeping accommodations, multiple outdoor living areas, a central kitchen, living rooms and play areas.

The client is thrilled with their summer home retreat, using it nearly every single weekend in the summer to entertain family and friends.