Lowcountry River House

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Traditional Riverfront with Modest Family Space

Set along the Combahee River in South Carolina’s historic rice plantation region, this home was designed as a rural retreat for clients looking to downsize without sacrificing comfort, technology, or craftsmanship. They envisioned a one-story house rooted in Lowcountry tradition, inviting, efficient, and timeless, yet equipped with advanced smart-home systems, durable enough for hurricane country, and tailored for a lifestyle centered on nature.

2004 AIA South Carolina Honor Award

• Details

  Awards
  2004 AIA SC Robert Mills Honor Award

  Contractor
  Cummings Custom Builder

  Location
  Colleton County

  Style
  Transitional

  Photographer
  John McManus

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Inspired by the Lowcountry Farmhouse

Inspired by the simple forms and honest materials of South Carolina farmhouses, the design centers around a single square volume anchored by a massive four-sided brick chimney. This space brings together living, dining, cooking, entry, and porch areas beneath soaring reclaimed heart pine trusses.

Two wings radiate from this central hub. One houses the primary suite and a richly detailed study with custom cabinetry and a concealed safe, accessible through both private and public entries. The other wing contains a guest suite, a mudroom outfitted for boots and gear, and a laundry room designed to support hunting and fishing activities.

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Local Materials

Reclaimed and regional materials ground the house in its setting: antique brick foundations, hand-formed terne metal roofing, reclaimed heart pine floors and cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and white clapboard siding. But beneath the nostalgic textures lies the best of today’s home technology, from environmental controls to integrated A/V systems and storm-resilient construction.

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Rich with Character

The house performs on every level: visually, environmentally, and functionally. Its traditional forms and materials resonate with the agrarian landscape, offering a sense of permanence and familiarity. Inside, the open layout fosters connection, while clearly defined zones provide privacy and flexibility.

Sustainability is quietly woven throughout, from reclaimed wood and durable finishes to a compact footprint and passive ventilation strategies. The house isn’t just a modern interpretation of the Lowcountry farmhouse, it’s a long-term home built to support its owners through life’s changing seasons, in comfort and with grace.