The design for this year round coastal retreat was inspired by the east facing, narrow, sloping site. The building was conceived of as three distinct volumes each positioned to maximize natural light, views, and privacy and connected to each other via a series of flat roofed interior breezeways. Upon arrival to the site, one leaves their car parked higher on the hill away from the view in a small court. Proceeding down several steps the entry opens to the central volume, the largest of the three. A bedroom, bathroom and study is located closest to the water to the east, while to the west, further up the hill in the most private location is the master wing, private deck and outdoor shower.
The flat roofed connectors serve as support cores on the uphill side away from the view, circulation spaces between the volumes, and on the water side as gathering points – closest to the water is the study, while the screened porch occupies the volume nearest the living room.
The shed roof forms are shaped and vaulted inside to allow natural light into all spaces. The master bedroom tilts to capture western light, while the remaining two volumes bring in eastern light and panoramic views to the Atlantic Ocean.
The separated building forms create a series of outdoor spaces, some projected into the view some protected from the seasonal shifting winds. The offset volumes shift to react to local site conditions and to shift the inhabitant’s focus to the variety found on the site, from wooded to completely open. (with Elliott+ElliottArchitecture)