STEPHEN HERLONG AND ASSOCIATES
Isle of Palms, S.C.
herlongarchitects.com

Project name: Lowcountry Living
Project location: Daniel Island, S.C.
Square footage: 6,596

As the founder of a watercraft manufacturer in the Southeast, the owner requested the project team create a home that reflected his sense of detail. The home needed to be formal, yet casual enough to allow a peaceful integration between the interior and exterior living areas. The dramatic location of the property allowed Stephen Herlong and Associates in Isle of Palms, S.C., the opportunity to explore the effects of natural light, prevailing breezes and views that continued for miles across the water and marsh. Each interior room needed a connection to the outdoor living space, and the exterior spaces required a strong connection to the landscape.

Stylistically, the house needed to be formal. Yet the plan layout needed to flow in a casual manner, comfortably connecting all the living spaces to the outdoor environment. Beneath the timeless elegance of the detailing, the specified systems and materials had to be designed to address the issues of building in a hot and humid climate. Careful study was required to create a high-performance home that accounted for its increased overall footprint with systems and materials that decrease overall energy consumption. Finally, constructing the home in a flood plain required detailed analysis of the foundation and overall topography in order to keep the living spaces integrated with the site.

Designed in Georgian style, creative variations to traditional details were introduced to set the table for living and entertaining in this South Carolina Lowcountry setting. Branching from the primary Georgian structure, the home opens to the water and views, and allows the cooling breezes and views of the river to flow into every room.

The home was constructed with materials to stand the test of time. Hand-formed brick, copper, slate and bluestone all reflect the history of the region and establish a harmonious relationship with the natural and living environment surrounding the home.