The Butterfly's Kiss (High-End Residential)

The client was inspired by the architect's sketch of the Summers Residence (Vestiges in the Wild)  and contacted EmmeDue to design a summer house on Kiawah Island, SC.

 

The architect conceptualized two different designs, one more traditional, then another which would uniquely address a complex corner site that lacked  character. To respond to these conditions, the design concept is based on the creation of concrete walls which are meant to resemble old ruins found on site. The living spaces are contained within and form a modern infill project meant to anchor itself within the "existing"  concrete walls. 

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From above, to provide shelter and repair the living spaces designed to feel more like a walk through a folly than a traditional house, is a monolithic roof which is formed through the extrusion of two horizontally placed pyramids which are met two one another at their bases along the longest section of the floor plan. These shapes form an airplane-wing-like roof which is meant to lay on the heavy concrete walls as if it were a kind and gentle butterfly.