Sandbreak Overlook is a vacation home of modest size for a family of five with older teenage children. It is located on the shores of Delaware with beachfront sunrise views and sunset views over the town of Bethany.
Elevation: From gable form to sawtooth form. Within its manual of restrictions, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control mandates roof height is limited to 48' above sea level and roofs have a minimum slope of 4:1. This has led to a coastline of low-pitched gable beach houses which are non-conducive to ocean views. Since the eave side of houses is low, gables are often positioned to parallel the ocean, capitalizing on the gable's triangular peak for the highest view. (see neighboring house image) Splitting the 4:1 gable along the ridge and spinning the form 90, (see massing drawing) allows the tallest wall to face the ocean. In Sandbreak Overlook, this arrangement creates a potential glass and view plane of 13 feet high by 32 feet long.
Plan. With the human emotion of anticipation strongest at the front door (in anticipation of ocean views), the stair arrangement allows the visitor to view her destination upon entering the foyer on the opposite, street-side of the home. Straight stair runs are situated end to end allowing the visitor to realize both destination and ocean sky upon entry. This processionally propels the visitor through the home and architecture creates momentum to the communal top floor. This anticipation is only heightened by the dune itself which blocks the first floor from ocean views. (See section drawing)
Architectural elements and context. Instead of referencing traditional beach architectural elements, which is most used along its local shoreline, the home references another common shoreline-built element. Historically, perceived as a boundary element; separating yards and public beaches from private, Dune fencing or Sandbreak fencing is now associated with saving our coastal environment by stabilizing dunes which limit erosion and foster plant and animal life. To reference this the built form uses wire-brushed Shou Sugi Ban fins. The zigzagging fencing inspires and is referenced in and used at fenestration to increase the spacing of the fins to increase view and window cleaning. The spacing is based on a mathematical sine curve that gives the facade its wave-like effect. (see drawings) The base of the home is deliberately left open to view dune fencing which is in direct sight under the home. (see images)
Solar Considerations. To offset the east side glass gain, windows over the south side and west are finned essentially stopping direct sunlight on these sides. The windows on the sunset and the sunrise of the house align directly with the sightlines through the house so that light travels through the house from sunrise horizon to sunset horizon.
Sun Alignments In winter months on the top floor, direct sunrise light diagonals directly through the house diagonally to beam on the breakfast area at the sunset front porch. This occurs for about one hour. (See Plans)