Isle of Palms Contemporary Renovation

On a large lot in Isle of Palms stood a very dated contemporary with worn siding and outmoded floor plan.  What seemed forward-thinking design when the home was built is much smaller than beach homes built today and frankly, had not aged well.  Many would wonder, why should I consider not tearing down an existing home when you’re going to do an extensive renovation?  If the existing house is structurally sound, you can save time and money by incorporating what’s there as long as you can make the design cohesive.  In our case, this was true and we were lucky enough that the existing home is sited on the lot in such a way to easily accommodate an addition.

That was the challenge Swallowtail took on.  No stranger to challenging projects in Isle of Palms and the coastal South Carolina region, our clients found us because of our work on a similar project on Seabrook Island.  With this project we were able to re-envision the space and utilize the existing structure.

For this Isle of Palms project, we have enough room on the plot to more than double the home’s footprint.  The existing screened porch will be finished off and become living space. The home is already elevated, so too will the addition be; and this makes room for a new two-car drive under garage.  We’re also creating expansive outdoor living space by adding a raised deck, pool, and cabana–all accessible from the living room, the primary bedroom, and a second bedroom.  A new front entry will bridge the old space and new.  A mix of sidings will help to highlight the various masses of the front elevation while creating depth and interest and bringing a modern vibe to this coastal home.

Existing Home