This new construction project was designed as a vacation home for a family of five who all enjoy socializing with their friends.

This large waterfront property features a 10,000 ft² “high-tech”, hurricane proof house, covered porches, horizon pool, extensive landscaping, dock-side kitchenette and bathroom, marina including floating teak dock.

The complexity of the main house “Tideway” requires full-time supervision and maintenance. Tideway Cottage was designed as modest 1,500 sf. accommodation for the on-site property managers featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and a large living/dining room with exposed cedar rafters and beams opening onto a covered porch overlooking the water. Above the cottage, a small 530 sf. studio apartment is available for long-term guests.

The contract to design Tideway was won by a competition among five architects who were asked by the Client to submit anonymous entries.

Conceptual Ideas

• orientation to sun (winter)/provision for shade (summer)/access to daylight/
• separate hot water cylinder for each bathroom, enabling isolation when not in use
• smart home controls- can be accessed via internet from abroad
• collection of rainwater & storage for up to 40,000 imp. Gallons
• reverse osmosis system in place as a back up source of water

Selection of Materials

• reinforced concrete block construction to withstand hurricane forces
• styrofoam roof system simulating traditional local slate roof while not depleting natural resources, also reduces deadload on structure.
• low VOC paint and floor finishes
• super-insulated fiberglass hot water cylinders placed close to point of use
• low energy lighting- all low voltage (halogen) controlled by Lite Touch & dimmed 5% reducing energy consumption by 50%