SV Design’s Approach to Coastal Design Connects North Shore Homes with the Sea

Coastal design, a timeless aesthetic that bridges the gap between land and water, holds significant historical roots in the North Shore region. Its enduring versatility allows it to seamlessly integrate with modern 21st-century lifestyles. Tobin Shulman, AIA, Principal at SV Design, and Katy Finkenzeller, AIA, Associate at the firm, shed light on how coastal design principles are woven into their multidisciplinary architectural and interior design projects. Coastal design is fundamentally defined by its response to the unique opportunities and challenges presented by the meeting of ocean and land. This encompasses everything from the strategic placement of a home on its site to intricate details of the building envelope and overarching aesthetic choices. While various architectural styles fall under the coastal umbrella—from traditional shingle-style cottages to contemporary glass and steel structures—several core elements consistently define the genre. These include maximizing and framing views of the water, fostering a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and arranging living areas casually to face the ocean. A typical coastal design features a dramatic transformation from the front façade to the rear, opening up to expansive water vistas. Crucially, meticulous architectural detailing is employed to ensure the structure can withstand harsh coastal conditions such as storm surges, intense sun, wind-driven rain, snow, and high winds. Finkenzeller highlights that coastal design styles are highly localized, with a home suited for West Palm Beach differing significantly from one in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The enduring popularity of coastal design stems from a fundamental human attraction to the ocean's serenity and dramatic beauty, which enhances a person's connection to their specific location. The design varies not only by region but also by individual site characteristics, as the unique nature of the land dictates the most appropriate design and construction methods to optimize the living experience. For North Shore residences, the distinction between primary homes and vacation homes also influences design choices. A primary residence for a family necessitates a substantial mudroom for winter gear, ample bedrooms with generous closet space for each family member, and a kitchen and dining room equipped for large gatherings like Thanksgiving. These homes often include a two- or three-car garage. In contrast, a summer home for the same family might feature a simpler back entry for beach items, shared children's rooms with bunk beds, less formal closets, and family spaces tailored for leisure activities such as puzzle tables, reading nooks, and napping areas. The historical context and climate of the North Shore significantly impact coastal design. The region boasts a rich history of coastal architecture, tracing back to the late 19th-century summer cottages, many of which were shingle-style homes. Modern construction frequently incorporates elements reminiscent of these classic designs, such as deep porches, sweeping roofs, and prominent ocean-facing windows. Historically, deep shingle-style porches provided protection from summer solar gain and winter snow accumulation. White cedar shingles, a staple in New England construction since colonial times, are valued for their durability and low maintenance, developing a distinctive silver-grey patina when exposed to salt air. Finkenzeller notes that the grand coastal homes of Beverly and Manchester-by-the-Sea, built as summer retreats for the 19th-century elite, established a benchmark for the New England coastal home. Conversely, the port cities of Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester, and Newburyport exhibit a different type of coastal dwelling—the year-round sea captain's residence, built to endure harsh weather. These homes often feature widow's walks, now repurposed as roof decks offering prime views for events like Fourth of July fireworks. The choice of materials, colors, and textures in coastal design is driven by a desire to enhance the natural environment. The emphasis is on natural materials and material integrity; elements should appear authentic. Wood shingles retain their natural wood appearance, copper flashing develops a natural patina over time, and stone is often used for foundations. Windows are strategically placed and sized to frame water views, effectively turning the landscape into artwork within the home. Color palettes are inspired by the surrounding environment, such as the colors of coastal rock formations, and should reflect and amplify the natural light. This approach of bringing the outdoors in firmly grounds the house to its site, acknowledging the ever-changing colors of the sea, from blues and greens to grays and blacks. Coastal design demands a comprehensive approach, balancing aesthetics with engineering to create homes that truly enrich the lives of their inhabitants and seamlessly integrate with their unique coastal locations. #CoastalDesign #NorthShoreHomes #SVDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NewEngland #CoastalDesign #NorthShoreHomes #SVDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NewEngland