This waterfront house features
elegant, functional solutions to the demands of climate. Oriented to the
southern water views, the house is organized in layers. Intersecting these
layers is a strong linear axis created by the masonry external stairs
passing through the bilaterally symmetrical massing of the house. The
result is a prototypic Southern "dog trot" house. To take full
advantage of the breezes, the main living space was located on the second
level. The generous five-foot roof overhangs protect from the summer heat
and provide shelter for both the outdoor breakfast area and the balcony
off the master bedroom. A 14,000-gallon cistern was incorporated
into the design. It was formed by displacing a piece from the lower level;
the top surface of the cistern became the exterior back terrace. The
interior spaces are continuous and open. Classic Modern furniture, white
walls, and a terra cotta floor reinforce the feeling of uncluttered
comfort.
