This house sits perched on pilings set into the dunes of Spring Hill Beach in Sandwich, MA, overlooking Cape Cod Bay to the north and Old Harbor Creek and salt marsh to the south. Our goal for this project was to create a sophisticated but comfortable beach cottage that maximizes its location while having a little fun. Rather than relying on typical Cape Cod beach cottage massing and fenestration to speak to our sense of place, we looked to the historical Cape Cod Modernist houses for inspiration, specifically looking at their massing as well as their use of more modern materials and building techniques (large openings, open floor plans, spare/simple detailing) paired with vernacular materials (white cedar shingles, red cedar boards, etc.). Simple forms are a shared trait within vernacular Cape Cod architecture and modern architecture as well.

This project had limitations on allowable interior footprint, and therefore required efficiency and creativity to comfortably accommodate the clients’ requested program and functional needs. Easy flow between interior and exterior living spaces, most notably between the great room and the deck with a large corner lift and slide door, allows for a feeling of larger living spaces.

Energy efficient aspects of this home include above code R values with continuous exterior insulation, all electric mechanical systems, PV ready orientation and pre-wire, and locally sourced wood flooring and walls.