House on a Cove

Fronting Smith Cove, a secluded deep water anchorage ideal for boating, the site is densely wooded with filtered ocean views to the north. The house is low-slung and quietly recedes into the landscape; at times it seems a ruin, in danger of being consumed by the native groundcover. Natural light informed the section of the house, with high south-facing windows and an inclined roof on the back that draws light into the narrow bar that overlooks the ocean. The materials, while cool and industrial, direct attention away from themselves and toward the natural environment. A variety of outdoor spaces, including a screened porch and sunken terrace, animate the site throughout the day.