Shearwater, a resilient family residence along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is raised 23-feet above the ground plane to anticipate and endure the storms and ocean surge that characterize the region.
Photo: Eric Petschek
Shearwater
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Resilience
A rusted steel exterior, treated to withstand the humid climate, is a striking contrast against the green and blue landscape. Here, the advantage lies in elevation: the home is raised 23 feet on steel piers to mimic the height of the surrounding trees and distance itself from the otherwise flat ground.
The main level is accessible via black steel stairs, with storage compartments that are raised to protect against potential flooding, tucked below. At the top of the stairs, a catwalk extends toward the tree canopy in one direction and the front door in the other. Inside, a foyer with a custom wood bench provides warm contrast against the cool concrete floors.
The home’s central axis is oriented from north to south. At the south end, the open kitchen and living rooms look onto the adjacent wetland and horizon beyond. A generous screened porch, dramatically cantilevered over the landscape, provides a contemporary homage to this traditional Southern feature, and promotes passive ventilation throughout the home. A warm walnut butcher block island anchors the kitchen while functioning as a dining table.
The primary suite extends to the east, capturing views of the trees and bayou. Its spacious bathroom is generously tiled to house both a shower and bathtub. At the home’s north end, a large children’s playroom features a roof kicker—an elevated roof section and operable window that draw air into and through the home.
Shearwater is my favorite kind of project because it was a fantastic challenge to design a family home elevated 23 feet above a surge zone. The DNA of this project is about recognizing and celebrating the existing conditions of the landscape, turning challenges into something truly special.Tom Kundig
FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal
Seattle Unity
Seattle, Washington
Thunder River Residence
Aspen, Colorado
Team
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Maximillian Foley
Ekram Hassen
Justin Dennis