Great Porch and Gallery House
It’s All About Outdoor Living
This project has been many years in the making. It has evolved over time, from a simple porch addition to a whimsical reimagining of the home and the relationship to its surrounding landscape. This property sits on the marshes of the Harbor River, on St. Helena Island.
A butterfly roof was incorporated between the new roof and the existing roof line, allowing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large bifold doors were used to dissolve the boundary between inside and out. A clerestory window brings in natural light to the large space, enhancing the sense of openness.
The butterfly roof naturally creates an opportunity for a featured gutter and rain chain system, directing rainwater into a raised rain garden.
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Contractor
Paradise Construction
Location
St Helena Island, SC
Photography
Kim Smith Photography
Outdoor Living on the Marsh
The landscape is designed to match the playful nature of the roof forms. Sculptural stairs connect the porch terrace below. The sequence encourages movement toward the rain chain and marsh views before descending and curving into a gathering space anchored by a large fire pit.
The owners also wanted a place outside the bedrooms to sit and enjoy coffee or tea with a 180-degree view of the marsh. Similar to the porch, the balcony also needed to work with the existing roof. The solution was to float the balcony over the existing roof on one side with a single post, echoing the language of the porch’s gutter and post support.
Gallery Entry
The entry to the house has been transformed into a gallery space, with room along one side of the wide hallway for the owner’s collection of paintings. Large windows on the opposite side overlook terraced planters designed for sculpture display. These raised planters also serve a practical purpose, allowing for plantings that cannot withstand the periodic saltwater flooding of the site.
Throughout the project, elements such as the butterfly roof, angled columns, and rain chain reappear to unify the design. Together, they create a cohesive architectural language that balances playfulness with purpose, while responding thoughtfully to the rhythms of the coastal environment.
