HOUSE ON A BARRIER ISLAND
LONG BEACH ISLAND, NEW JERSEY
This project is a secluded retreat for a couple with two young children who have long spent their summers on this barrier island off the southern coast of New Jersey.
They were drawn to this particular property for its uniquely wooded and secluded character in the dunes.
The clients maintained a strong desire to always feel among these trees while inside the main living area.
This led to the idea of lifting the main functions of the house above the ground and entering underneath them. The three levels of the house correspond with three levels of landscape: the woodland floor, the tree canopy, and the ocean view above the treetops.
The ground level features a covered exterior space and breezeway with a stair leading up to the main entry.
The social living spaces are at the level of the tree canopy.
Bedrooms offer views over the dunes to the ocean.
The material enclosure of a shower folds space into a conversation between wood, land, water and body.
