A Gem Among the Trees
High Efficiency, Hurricane Ready
This project began with what many considered an unbuildable site,the last waterfront lot in an older development on Broad Creek. Massive live oaks filled the half-acre parcel, including three in the center, each over 40 inches in diameter. Strict 1980s design guidelines and floodplain elevation requirements layered on additional constraints. Yet the clients, drawn by the view and serenity of the Lowcountry landscape, saw the lot as their perfect retirement retreat. They envisioned a home that would preserve every tree, showcase their beloved furniture from Santa Fe, and allow them to age in place, while also meeting the challenges of coastal construction.
Featured in our upcoming book Contemporary Southern Vernacular: Creating Sustainable Houses for Hot, Humid Climates
Featured in The Wall Street Journal, May 2018
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Publications
The Wall Street Journal May 17, 2018Contractor
Cameron & Cameron BuildersLocation
Hilton Head Island, SCStyle
TransitionalPhotographer
Atlantic Archives
Designing with Nature in Mind
Our design responded by shaping the home around the trees, literally. Instead of clearing the site, we slipped the house into the spaces between the live oaks. The great room is carefully angled to frame the spectacular northeast view down Broad Creek, while the rest of the house is organized to maximize natural light, privacy, and tree preservation. A double-sided elevator connects the raised garage to the main and upper floors, enabling aging in place discreetly and gracefully. Generous door widths, zero-threshold showers, lever handles, and bright, open interiors further support long-term accessibility.
We used a restrained palette of natural materials to complement the surrounding oaks and marsh. The home’s footprint is compact but comfortable, with expansive glass to bring in light and views. The interiors are scaled to accommodate the clients’ large furnishings without compromising flow. Throughout the house, rooms open to outdoor living spaces that feel both sheltered by and in dialogue with the landscape.
Resilience Meets Elegance
This house is built to thrive in the Lowcountry’s demanding coastal environment. It sits a full foot above base flood elevation, with a structural system designed to withstand 140 mph wind loads. Continuous tie-downs, impact-rated windows and doors, and a secondary roofing membrane form a robust shell. A rainscreen assembly and Zip System sheathing support drying and durability in the hot, humid climate.
We incorporated hydrostatic vents in the garage and breakaway walls in the crawlspace to reduce flood risk, while all materials below flood level are masonry or pressure-treated wood. Spray foam insulation and a tightly sealed envelope allow HVAC systems and ductwork to remain in conditioned space, reducing energy use and eliminating condensation risks. With high-performance windows, LED lighting, and ample natural daylight, the house operates efficiently and comfortably year-round.
Sustainable Comfort
In the end, this home represents what we do best: using deep knowledge of climate, craft, and place to turn design constraints into design opportunities. It’s a house that preserves the land it sits on, adapts to its owners’ evolving needs, and will stand strong for decades to come.
A Featured Case Study
This project is featured in our book, Contemporary Southern Vernacular: Creating Sustainable Houses for Hot, Humid Climates, which highlights how thoughtful design can transform challenging sites into harmonious living spaces.
From the client
“Frederick and Frederick did an outstanding job designing our home to take advantage of the lot with unique water views, while saving our huge oak trees. They listened and the design was creative and met our every need. Their construction management service, especially Tom, ensured the building process met the design details, giving us confidence while we were not present for extended times. They were quickly responsive to our every question and detail. We would highly recommend Frederick and Frederick for any high end project, especially one requiring creativity and total “beginning to end” services for the entire project. Thank you for a great job!”
