This watershed peninsula retreat takes inspiration from historical Chesapeake Bay lighthouses. Elevated on piles, it pays homage to the conventional lighthouse typology while its charred Shou Sugi Ban wood siding imparts a modern twist, blending the dark, stealthy structure with the shade of the tree canopy. To further accentuate its natural setting, the lifted structure floats above the site ensuring the preservation of native grasses and fauna, while helping the architecture recede into the landscape.
Broad waterways surround the home and its proximity to the estuary nurtures the client’s passion for the region’s aquatic wildlife, waterfowl, and fisheries. Large windows fill the home’s multifaceted façade allowing for panoramic views of sunsets, sunrises, and the ever-changing pattern of light throughout the year. The raised perch flows out into a large outdoor deck that wraps the structure and extends the already immersive living experience further into the surrounding natural environment.