low country residence...

location: Mount Pleasant, SC
completion date: 2005
project team:
Frank Harmon
Erin Sterling
Christian Karkow

project statement...

The client wanted a 2500-square-foot house with windows viewing the nature on Shem Creek. That request presented two challenges: (1) The best view of the creek to the west, where the sun would bake the house on summer afternoons, and (2) the structure would have to withstand 150-mph hurricane winds and accompanying debris. The program called for a large living room and kitchen, two bedrooms, a guest room, a workshop, a large screened porch, and a 75-foot lap pool.

our design response...

The house treads lightly on its lush site, and evokes the feeling of living outdoors. The long, one-room-deep floor plan gives each room windows and porches overlooking Shem Creek. A modern interpretation of Charleston’s historic shutters provides protection from harsh weather and summer sun. Operable windows provide natural cross-ventilation and lighting. Approaching the house under a canopy of moss-draped live oaks and up a gentle ramp, the view of the marsh appears like an element in a Japanese painting.

A large glass wall fronts the southwest side of the house. A series of 10 hand-fabricated metal screens hinged above the porch protects this vulnerable face from summer sun and extreme weather, while allowing cooling breezes into the house. The panels can protect the house during any season. In their horizontal (open) position, they shade the house. Closed, they create a shaded, protected porch. The 800-pound screens were designed to allow an individual to lift and balance them easily as they are moved from one position to another.