Lowcountry Local Products
Lowcountry style, but with a unique twist, is an idea we have gotten pretty familiar with here at Frederick + Frederick. We believe that houses should be integrated into their place, they should belong. One way to achieve this goal is to use building materials that are native or made here in the Lowcountry. The house often features tabby (a concrete aggregate made with oyster shell), handmade brick, and native wood species. There are a number of products being made here in the Lowcountry evoke the vibe.
Lowcountry Originals is based in Bluffton, SC. Their handmade light fixtures reflect the natural materials and patterns of the area.
Savannah Surfaces has developed a paver product that we have been using a lot and it looks great! It is a porcelain paver that is patterned to mimic the look of tabby. Tabby is so quintessential “Lowcountry” but its not great underfoot. The porcelain “Old World Tabby” brings the desired look to a material that is better suited for pavers and pool decks.
This custom iron stair railing was designed by Michael Frederick. It’s meant to be evocative of the colors and shapes of the marsh grass that surrounds our islands.
Ahern’s Anvil fabricated this hammered iron stair rail (above) for a custom touch at a Hilton Head Island project.
Charleston Architectural Glass creates gorgeous custom glass- we have used their antiqued mirrors in interior transoms where privacy is desired. The effect is a subtle reflection of the room and the light without being too highly reflective.
Vetrostone is a countertop material that is manufactured in Yemassee, SC. They use recycled glass and shell mixed in quartz to create a uniquely coastal material.
Fireplaces
It’s the time of year where we all want to gather together and snuggle up around a fireplace. Here in the lowcountry, some of our favorite fireplaces are located outdoors, either on a screened porch or free standing in the garden. Fireplaces add a great focal point to a space whether it is indoors or out. Here are a few that we have designed over the past thirty years.
Brick Fireplace with Claire Crowe firescreen and Holly Hunt Swan lamp
Fireplace with bookmatched stone
Arts & Crafts inspired fireplace
Concrete fireplace
Four sided brick fireplace
Outdoor brick fireplace with oyster roaster
Brick fireplace with Phoebe the dog
Sculptural fireplace with Stella the dog
Historic fireplace
Sleeping porch fireplace
Contemporary fireplace with Venetian plaster finish
Exterior fireplace inspired by a historic rice mill chimney
Screened porch fireplace that opens to the great room
Another rice mill inspired chimney
Double fireplaces
Outdoor fireplace on an addition to a historic house
Screened porch fireplace
Under Construction
We are all excited about the construction progress at the Factory Creek house. Howell Builders is doing a great job!
The garage and carriage house
It is exciting to see the form of the house taking shape, as the second floor framing goes up.
There is quite a nice view of Factory Creek from the second floor.
This Palmetto Bluff House is almost finished.
The Berkeley Hall project is almost completed, too.
On the Boards
Factory Creek House
Here's a new house on the boards that overlooks Factory Creek. The owners wanted traditional lowcountry style, but we went with a more contemporary feel in the rear with a lot of glass to take advantage of the incredible view.
Hilton Head House
These clients originally hired us to help with a window replacement. Unfortunately, Hurricane Matthew cause significant damage to their existing house and they have decided to tear it down. Here's the design for their new house.
Fripp Island Renovation
Our clients needed major renovations at their Fripp Island home, but because their house is below flood elevation, the scope of work is limited to less than 50% of the value of the house (read more about the 50% rule on our blog, here) So, up it goes! Wolfe house movers raised the house so it is safely above flood elevation and ready for renovations.
Check out the video, shot and edited by Benjie Morillo.
Below are our drawings of the house, post-renovation. We will keep you posted as this project progresses!
Under Construction and Recently Completed Projects
Long Cove Club House
Construction on our project in Long Cove Club finished up recently. The house looks great and our clients are very happy! We will have professional photos taken, but in the meantime, here are a few we snapped.
Palmetto Bluff House
Construction is coming along nicely on the main house, and the owners have decided to build a carriage house too, so we are working on that design.
Sea Pines Renovation
Berkeley Hall House
On The Boards
We are all excited about this new project on the boards! The lot is on a bluff with an incredible view.
With the installation of solar panels, the sustainable design and the use of energy efficient materials, we are hoping this house can be net-zero!
The kitchen
The glass staircase is really cool!
Here's the view from the foyer, we are loving the mid-century modern feel!
Before and After
We've been enjoying sharing some before and after photos of renovation projects. The transformations in functionality and style of the spaces we renovate can be major!
This 1950's ranch house was totally dated and uninspired, but the lot that it sits on has gorgeous views of the Beaufort River. Rather than tear down the original structure, we were able to re-purpose the existing building, saving time, money and resources. The finished product....
We will continue to post before and after photos of current and past projects. Check back with us soon!