Our ambitious and handy client came to ecco for help with designing and permitting a beach house he could build himself. The wide open grassy shore provided a beautiful location. However, one of the challenges of the site both structurally and in terms of comfort was designing for the strong coastal winds.

Our client wanted the main living spaces lifted up to capture ocean views, so the first floor is a garage with an adjacent mudroom where family and friends can brush the sand off their feet before heading upstairs. The main floor and its deck jut out toward the water, but are anchored to the ground with concrete columns. The third floor contains a master suite, along with bonus room and deck. This deck, which protects its users from the wind and weather, is the gathering place for sunset cocktails and planning the next day's adventures.