Marshall Street Waterfront Renovation
Calling this project located on the waterfront near Rehoboth Beach a renovation might be stretching the word to it’s limit. There was a single story residence sitting on this lot. The only thing we utilized were the existing pilings to build upon. As such, the footprint was decided for us, but everything is the client’s vision. This client wanted large, modern boxes with overhanging low sloped hip roofs. They wanted open interiors, lots of natural daylight, and a house that took advantage of the views and space on this lot to enjoy and entertain
As the footprint was set, that did help focus the design with a central two story entry and wide open first floor. Utilizing the existing pilings was an interesting challenge to create that open floor. We had to think a couple of moves ahead to try to get the loads to balance with existing pilings since upgrading the foundation would have been inefficient if we could avoid it. It was actually cheaper to up size girders or provide some additional support in the framing than the usual method of adding an additional foundation element.
This house also had to withstand the brunt of the weather with a rear wall that was mostly glass. We partnered with an engineer to provide most of the engineering in house. This saved our clients a lot of money on the design. This approach also saved a lot of money in construction as structural elements were considered early in the design and not shoehorned into predetermined forms. When that happens, we often then need to resort to more expensive solutions or revisit the design.
Enjoying the Waterfront
This house is all about orientation to the water. The preexisting dock is about the only thing in the backyard that the clients kept. They built a pool and an expansive patio to enjoy it. We also helped them with balconies from the bedrooms that provided viewing platforms and sheltered spots to get out of the sun. The bottom floor is full of doors that open wide to allow people to flow between the pool and the living space.
The back of this house is less a wall than a filter that provides you levels of shelter. You can be fully inside looking out in bad weather. You can be fully outside enjoying it instead. And if you need some shelter, there are balconies, porches, and pergolas giving variations of protection from the elements. These also provide a space to create a conversation nook, to allow small groups to gather together, or for someone to find their own space on their own to relax.
Interiors
We can’t fault the interior design of this home. In fact, we have to admit we didn’t have a ton of input on the materials or colors and have to credit our clients good taste. One of the boldest moves they made is the main stair. You enter the house from a low front porch into a two story space. And right there is a floating modern stair with a cable railing. It’s a striking feature and leads to the bridge across the 2-story central space. On one side is the primary suite while the other side are a loft space and several bedrooms. This provides both privacy within the bedrooms, but connection between the floors.
In summary
This home is a striking example of the successes that can come with teamwork and clearly defined roles. We were hired to execute a vision and create the shell. Our main goals were to get the massing correct and sort out the structural requirements in an elegant way utilizing existing conditions. The client handled the exterior and interior finishes and fixtures. The combination created a beautiful home as we both nailed our roles.
