Swamp Thing

Sited along a narrow section of the Cape Fear River on a very steep slope facing north, this home is designed to capture views from all bedrooms and living spaces through its use of a cruciform plan with a center tower at the crossing of the two arms. From the entry side of the house, it is not apparent there is a steep slope with a swampy edge leading to the river on the other side. The house seeks to reveal this dynamic landscape as a surprise when entering, only then realizing you are a full story above the ground, looking through treetops down to the river.

Broad eaves around the entire house in excess of three feet deep create the effect of an umbrella to shed the hurricane rains which frequent the region. This roof is a low profile hip to buffet the wind from all directions. A gracious porch on the river-side of the house links to the side-screened porch and long lap-pool with an infinity edge.

The car collector/owner had storage needs for four cars, facilitating a unique, site hardship-driven solution of providing a hydraulic lift in one of the bays, to store one car under another. This formal solution precipitated an architectural language of hips, gables, and lean-tos so as to create the image of a structure created in the “pay as you go” add on over time as money permits aesthetic.

The building takes on a T-shape, with the long master wing low slung so as to permit the sun to reach the pool located unfavorably on the north side of the site to take advantage of the view. Difficult siting prerequisites are solved through the proper scale of the building components. A tall tower housing an office and loft is positioned for views up and downstream over the building.

Plans for the home included all levels be handicapped accessible for an “age-in-place” home, complete with elevator and space for a ramp in the garage, ADA designed bathrooms with roll-in showers, and wider doors with low thresholds.