Houzz Tours
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Houzz Tour: A Tree House-inspired Haven in South Carolina
Embracing nature but with all the modern comforts, this Kiawah Island home lets the owners enjoy the best of both worlds
When a couple decided to build their full-time home on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island, they were not interested in the traditional ornate detailing seen throughout the region. Inspired by worldwide travels, they wanted a home that was clean, simple and Zen-like. ‘They loved the idea of the tree house mentality,’ says architect Scott Anderson of The Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design. ‘The placement and design of the house was totally site driven; we only had to remove two trees to build it here.’
Perched above a marsh in a grove of live oaks, the home’s design mixes Asian, modern, local and rustic elements. ‘The look we were going for overall was a design that’s strong because of its simplicity, a tree house/camp aesthetic with a calming Japanese influence,’ Anderson says. The result is a tree house-like building that embraces nature and makes the most of the beautiful views and the site.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A couple with two grown children who love to visit, and three dogs
Location South Carolina, USA
Size 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
That’s interesting The island hosts populations of sea turtles, deer, bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, river otters and osprey.
Perched above a marsh in a grove of live oaks, the home’s design mixes Asian, modern, local and rustic elements. ‘The look we were going for overall was a design that’s strong because of its simplicity, a tree house/camp aesthetic with a calming Japanese influence,’ Anderson says. The result is a tree house-like building that embraces nature and makes the most of the beautiful views and the site.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A couple with two grown children who love to visit, and three dogs
Location South Carolina, USA
Size 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
That’s interesting The island hosts populations of sea turtles, deer, bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, river otters and osprey.
A hot tub hangs over the pool, which in turn hangs over the pavement to the marsh. ‘When you’re in the pool, the sight line of the water is at the top of the marsh grass,’ says Anderson.
‘The bridge connecting the sleeping and living structures allows cool ocean breezes to pass from the marsh to the front garden,’ says Anderson. ‘Decking and stairs to the pool and terrace visually connect inside and out.’ The enclosed part is the dining room; the area overhead is a connecting balcony that has views over the marshes out to Folly Beach and the Atlantic.
A terrace area of tabby paving stones (concrete with oyster shells mixed in) keeps clean edges within the immediate landscape around the house.
A terrace area of tabby paving stones (concrete with oyster shells mixed in) keeps clean edges within the immediate landscape around the house.
An alfresco dining area under the bridge enjoys the marsh breezes. The ceiling is southern yellow pine coated with a marine varnish. The flooring is tabby paving stones, which is very common in this area and is an example of using a traditional material in a modern setting.
‘The landscape is the art in this home,’ says Anderson. Soaring ceilings, cedar beams and extensive glass make strong connections between the house and its setting. Lights are built into the beams, keeping the aesthetic streamlined and simplified.
Tour a penthouse apartment in a London landmark
Tour a penthouse apartment in a London landmark
The living room feels like some sort of natural habitat; besides the great views, a side table, tree stumps on the coffee table, plants, natural finishes and plenty of open space connect the area to its surroundings even more. Here you can see how hugging as many trees as possible in the site planning can pay off – not only are the live oaks beautiful to admire, but they provide a shaded canopy that cuts down on energy costs during the long, hot summer months.
Off the living room is the bridge, which contains the dining room. To the left is the entry to the master bedroom.
Floors: walnut
See flexible ideas for open-plan living
Floors: walnut
See flexible ideas for open-plan living
Horizontal lines create a tight rhythm at the opening to the more intimate master bedroom space. The doors allow the owners to keep this area open to the bridge and the rest of the home when the mood strikes.
The glass shower has a Caribbean feel and a strong connection to the outdoors. The glass knobs on the basin unit tie into all the large windows.
Sink unit counter: Carrara statuary marble
Sink unit counter: Carrara statuary marble
The architecture connects to the outdoors in as many ways as possible. These stairs connect the hot tub to the master bedroom above and the pool level below.
Anderson designed the deck around the tree you see beyond the stairs.
The exterior materials stand up to the saltwater air. They include a galvanised metal roof, cedar clapboard facade with a semi-transparent stain and wooden railings.
Anderson designed the deck around the tree you see beyond the stairs.
The exterior materials stand up to the saltwater air. They include a galvanised metal roof, cedar clapboard facade with a semi-transparent stain and wooden railings.
This is the view from the more public street side, which is quite closed in contrast to all the glass on the marsh side of the house. Once you enter through the door, the entire house opens up into the glass-filled living room. Likewise, the tabby paving stone path leads out to the pool area that opens to the marsh.
The home is elevated because of storm surges, and this facade is a nod to the gabled roofline and overhang, commonly seen in this region’s architecture.
What did you like about this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
The home is elevated because of storm surges, and this facade is a nod to the gabled roofline and overhang, commonly seen in this region’s architecture.
What did you like about this home? Tell us in the Comments below.