Warmth And Sophistication

Pine Island Residence,
Spring Island, South Carolina

By subtly reintegrating the human presence within the fabric of the stunning visual and physical environment, the design inextricably links the home and its surroundings, redefining what it means to be native to place. Designed to open up to this landscape, the home looks in one direction over a man-made meadow that is a mosaic of the region’s varied native grasses, and in the other has views across an expansive salt marsh.

Inspired by the indigenous Low Country style and a study of the traditional Japanese house, the home consists of a series of single-story pavilions. The one-room-deep structures enable cross ventilation from prevailing breezes, adding to the natural cooling provided by the deep shade of overhangs. The emphasis on a rich yet simple palette of wood drawn largely from sustainably harvested sources lends warmth and sophistication to the interiors while maintaining an atmosphere of casual comfort and informality. The use of western red cedar siding outside offers extreme durability that will withstand the salt and spray of its marine setting to weather more beautifully with time.