Pond House

This narrow, coastal site is the summer home of an active family who loves the ocean and hosting informal gatherings. Estes Twombly designed a residence with 2 wings connected by an elevated bridge that frames a view of the ocean. People spill onto exterior decks at all levels, creating a very perforated inside-outside experience. At-grade decks were designed to be as close to the ground as possible.

The street-facing landscape welcomes visitors to the house, efficiently manages many cars, and systematically controls views. The client takes pride in cultivating the vegetable and cutting garden which is positioned proudly beside the front door. A central boardwalk connects to the ocean-side landscape and a series of outdoor spaces for gathering, working, and washing near the building. Stormwater from the roof is treated in a large, grassy, rain garden that is positioned to frame views of the ocean and accommodate a future swimming pool.

Remnants of a hurricane-demolished building foundation were discovered during construction very close to the coastline. Site grading was finessed to keep visible the top of the remnant foundation wall and space between seeded as lawn. The exposed foundation floats between the wild coastal buffer and trim mown lawn and defines an informal space in a very exposed area of the site. The clients use this flexible space to set up chairs near the coast and as a platform to host small yoga events.