Bold Ocean Cottage

Design Goals/Objectives
To create a summer home, not grand but very well finished,  that captured the excitement of a dramatic oceanfront property, appearing to grow from it, integrating the following features:

Main Cottage – Program Objectives
• A high-ceilinged main living space to fully enjoy the location;
• Privacy and amenity for owners and guests alike;
• To feel much bigger than its approximate 3,000 SF size;
• To be constructed as energy-wise as possible without gimmickry;
• To provide potential accessibility to all levels

Guest Cottage
Program: Two-car garage with comfortable, well-finished guest quarters above.

Site Challenges
The steepness of the site: the prime building location for the cottage was 112’ in total depth with a vertical rise of 29’, with  an average slope of 26 degrees (58% slope). Basically solid ledge, the challenge was to create an envelope that met the program needs, flowed naturally and took maximum advantage of the site.

The need to create walks, steps and terraces and retaining walls for safe access that are graceful to view, accommodating for trees, shrubs and maintenance, as well as lacing together the site as a whole.

Building Solution
The solution developed was to enter on mid-level, into a high-ceilinged foyer. Douglas fir trusses, wall planking create an expansive but warm cathedral space divided only by a cable-railed bridge connecting bedroom wings on each side.  A staircase, plus small foyer for future elevator, provide access to the main living level below. An adjacent guest house over the garage is designed as a stand-alone space, with a gross living area of 701 square feet, built to the same level of finish as the cottage.

Site Finishes
Designed all aspects of interior, exterior and site-related stonework, including all grades for all  steps, surfaces and retaining walls.

Sustainability Metrics
Bold Ocean Cottage meets or exceeds all current standards with the seamless implementation of the following:

• Propane Use 2013 — EUI: 27.7 BTUs/SF/YR  (Main House plus Guest House/Garage)
• Propane-fired, radiant hot water heat.
• Triple-Glazed windows/sliding doors
• Exterior walls: 2×8 framed, 4” Isocyanurate foam plus 3” fiberglass
• Roof Insl: 5” Isocyanurate foam
• Slab Insl.: 4” SM Styrofoam.
• Ventilation is full ACH
• Cove & exterior lighting: combination xenon, halogen, LED