EXPO 2011- The Future Form of Beaufort challenged designers, architects and planners to explore Beaufort’s historic form and re- design one of three sites in the struggling neighborhoods. The event was sponsored by the Beaufort Three Century Project, the City of Beaufort, Beaufort County, and Historic Beaufort Foundation.
16 entries were submitted and Frederick and Frederick’s designs Swept all three award categories:
- Best single structure
- Best Community Plan
- People’s Choice Award
After an intensive site analysis and interviews with current residents Michael designed three modern reinterpretations of the neighborhood’s single house, “I” house and Freedmans cottage. These are common vernacular forms of Beaufort, read more about the local architectural traditions here. He elected to concentrate on the Freedman’s Cottage as the Single structure. The original Freedman cottages are still very prevalent in the city. They were very simple center door two room plans. They were built with tall wall plates and often a loft/second floor was added as well shed roof additions. Michael’s new Freedman’s Cottage was designed with Living Building strategies.
His community plan used the large lots as urban gardens, and provided active civic spaces at street intersections. Michael’s three modern interpretations of the traditional forms filled the missing sites with a vision to a lively future.
