On The Boards - Palmer, Virginia

This unique Chesapeake Bay residence is a striking example of architecture responding gracefully to its environment. Built on a wet, challenging site, the home is raised approximately 12 feet off the ground on pilings, creating a dynamic structure that both protects from potential flooding and maximizes breathtaking bay views. Elevated living not only ensures resilience but also transforms the experience of the landscape, offering sweeping, unobstructed vistas.

At the plinth level beneath the home, mechanical and storage spaces are tucked thoughtfully out of sight, preserving the upper levels for living and leisure. The main building mass features soaring shed roofs that define the public spaces—an expansive, light-filled living, dining, and gathering area.

To the right of the central volume, the private master suite offers a quiet retreat, thoughtfully separated from the public zones for privacy and comfort. To the left, the standout "Moon Tower" adds an imaginative element to the home. This rotunda-like structure combines exercise space, a rooftop terrace, and a screened porch, giving residents and guests a multi-functional retreat to connect with the outdoors at every level.

Materiality throughout the project is clean and resilient, blending steel, aluminum, and concrete siding to create a contemporary, durable, and low-maintenance exterior that complements the natural surroundings.

Approaching the house is an experience in itself. A bridge crosses over the delicate wetland landscape, leading to a second-level entrance that mirrors the thoughtful, elevated design. Once inside, visitors find the private spaces to the left and the expansive public living areas to the right, all seamlessly connected to outdoor decks and terraces.

This bayfront home is a beautiful marriage of innovative engineering and coastal elegance—a retreat built for resilience, comfort, and connection with the stunning Chesapeake landscape.