Ocean Break
The client’s maritime background set the propellers in motion for the design process. The property’s unique location on a thin peninsula in Seacoast, New Hampshire was an ideal backdrop for…
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The client’s maritime background set the propellers in motion for the design process. The property’s unique location on a thin peninsula in Seacoast, New Hampshire was an ideal backdrop for this classic shingle style beach home. Inside the home, each window takes advantage of panoramic ocean views and lush marsh views.
For the design team the beautiful panoramic views came at a high price. Wetland and tidal buffer setbacks on three sides of the home left limited space to build. Flood regulations required the main floor to be high off the ground, while coastal zoning ordinances requires a low maximum building height.
The restrictive lot meant that the home would need to be compact. A stair tower and large curved bay windows soften the exterior and break up the massing, without impeding on setbacks and height restrictions.
The upper floor is tucked inside the roofline. Careful attention to the roof was necessary in maintaining a classic New England shingle style exterior, without the cost of livable space. Custom built-ins and alcoves were essential to utilize the sloped ceiling and provide window access and additional storage.
Smaller more intimate spaces are positioned toward the warm hues of the marsh. Toward the ocean, the layout opens up to frame the ocean’s horizon. A double height ceiling with floor to ceiling windows looking out at the ocean creates a powerful contrast to the intimacy of the marsh facing rooms. Sweeping mahogany accents are a fresh take on the maritime theme. Mahogany is consistently used inside and outside the house to create consistency between spaces.
- 4 beds, 5 baths
- First Floor: 2,840 sf
- Second Floor: 1,469 sf
- Designed to take full advantage of marsh and ocean views
- Feel of casual elegance
- Prep sink within kitchen island and farmers sink for main kitchen use
- Quartz countertops
- Built-in storage and bookcases and emphasis on mill work
The client’s maritime background set the propellers in motion for the design process. The property’s unique location on a thin peninsula in Seacoast, New Hampshire was an ideal backdrop for this classic shingle style beach home. Inside the home, each window takes advantage of panoramic ocean views and lush marsh views.
For the design team the beautiful panoramic views came at a high price. Wetland and tidal buffer setbacks on three sides of the home left limited space to build. Flood regulations required the main floor to be high off the ground, while coastal zoning ordinances requires a low maximum building height.
The restrictive lot meant that the home would need to be compact. A stair tower and large curved bay windows soften the exterior and break up the massing, without impeding on setbacks and height restrictions.
The upper floor is tucked inside the roofline. Careful attention to the roof was necessary in maintaining a classic New England shingle style exterior, without the cost of livable space. Custom built-ins and alcoves were essential to utilize the sloped ceiling and provide window access and additional storage.
Smaller more intimate spaces are positioned toward the warm hues of the marsh. Toward the ocean, the layout opens up to frame the ocean’s horizon. A double height ceiling with floor to ceiling windows looking out at the ocean creates a powerful contrast to the intimacy of the marsh facing rooms. Sweeping mahogany accents are a fresh take on the maritime theme. Mahogany is consistently used inside and outside the house to create consistency between spaces.