When a few chose to construct their fulltime home on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island they were not interested in the classic ornate detailing seen throughout the Lowcountry region. Inspired by global travels, they desired a home that has been clean, simple, and Zen-like. “They loved the concept of this tree house mentality,” says architect Scott Anderson of The Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design. “The placement and design of the house was totally site driven; we just had to remove two trees construct it”
Perched over a marsh at a grove of live oaks, the property’s design blends Asian, modern, rustic and local elements. “The look we were going for general was a layout that is strong because of its simplicity, a tree house/camp aesthetic using a calming Western influence,” Anderson says. The outcome is a tree house–such as building that embraces character and makes the most of the beautiful views and the site.
in a Glance
Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina (about 25 miles from Charleston)
Size: 4 bedrooms, 5 baths
Who lives here: A few with two grown children who love to visit and 3 dogs
That’s interesting: The island hosts populations of sea turtles, deer, bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, river otters and osprey.
Architecture & Design’s Anderson Studio
A spa hangs on the pool, which in turn hangs over the road to the marsh. “When you’re at the swimming pool, the sight line of this water is at the peak of the marsh grass,” clarifies Anderson.
Architecture & Design’s Anderson Studio
“The bridge connecting the sleeping and living structures enables cool sea breezes to pass from the marsh to the front yard,” says Anderson. “Decks and stairs to the pool and patio visually link inside and outside.” The enclosed part is the dining room; the area overhead is a connecting balcony which has views across the marshes outside to Folly Beach and the Atlantic.
A grid of tabby pavers (concrete using oyster shells mixed in) in sod retains clean edges inside the immediate landscape round the house.
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
An al fresco dining area below the bridge enjoys the marsh breezes. The ceiling is southern yellow pine coated with a marine varnish. The floor is tabby, which is quite common in the Lowcountry and is an instance of working with a vernacular material in a modern form.
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
“The landscape is the artwork in this home,” says Anderson. Granite countertops, cedar beams and glass create strong connections between the house and its setting. Lights are constructed to the beams, maintaining the aesthetic streamlined and simplified.
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
The great room feels like any sort of habitat; besides the wonderful perspectives, a live-edge side table, root-ball foundations on the coffee table, crops, organic finishes and plenty of open space link the space to its surroundings much more. Here you can see how hugging as many trees as possible in the site planning can pay off — not only will be the live oaks amazing to respect, but they provide a shade canopy which cuts down on energy costs throughout the long, hot summer months.
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
Off the terrific room is the bridge, which includes the dining room. To the left is the entry to the master suite.
Floors: walnut
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
Horizontal lines create a tight rhythm in the opening to the intimate master bedroom area. The pocket doors allow the owners to maintain their quarters open to the bridge and the rest of the home if the mood strikes.
Architecture & Design’s Anderson Studio
The glass shower includes a Caribbean feel and a solid connection to the outside. The glass knobs onto the dressing table tie to all the large windows.
Counter: Carrara statuary marble
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
The design connects to the outside in as many ways as possible. These stairs connect the spa to the master bedroom over and the pool level below.
Anderson made the deck round the shrub you see past the staircase.
The outside materials stand up to the saltwater atmosphere. They contain a Galvalume metal roof, cedar clapboard siding using a semitransparent stain and Ipe railings.
The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
This is the view from the public road side, which is quite closed compared to all the glass and other perforations on the marsh side. Once you enter through the doorway, the whole house opens up into the glass-filled great room. Similarly, the tabby paver route leads out to the pool area which opens to the marsh.
The residence is elevated because of storm strikes, and this facade is a nod to the gabled roofline and overhang, commonly seen in Lowcountry architecture.
More:
5 Fantastic Homes Having a Tree House Feel
Outdoor Design: Save That Tree!