Projects

Modern House No. 19

The Quiet Side

The Bridge

Some sites just speak to you.  This one's done a lot of talking.  Our client loved the back bay of Avalon: the view, the sunsets, the little neighborhood positioned around the water.  When the client showed me the long lot with commanding unobstructed western and southern views, I knew this would be a special project.

Our design approach quickly became clear: a front entry building with garage, entry foyer and bedrooms and a rear building with family room at bay level, a great room on the second level and the master suite on the third.  The connection between the buildings would be a glass bridge with reclaimed white oak stair completely mitered together to give the appearance that it was hewn from a giant fallen tree.  We would use cable rails and walls of glass so as not to obstruct the tremendous western view.  The three story bridge spans over eighteen feet with no structure below it to allow cool breezes to wash across the middle of the site.

Once you cross the bridge and enter the great room, floor to ceiling windows greet you in the dining room.  As you make your way through the cathedral living room through the large folding doors, the reclaimed oak ceiling and floors and stone patio accentuates the house's strong connection to nature and the surrounding seascape.  This connection and the client's love for the neighborhood should prove to make this home endure on the back bay.

Seabright

Welcome to the Gardens Neighborhood of Ocean City, NJ - a lovely community where older well-loved homes are preserved and new homes are designed to gracefully blend into the lovely fabric of the neighborhood.

Sea Wall One

Dockside

Top of the Island

Why do we seek the water?  Is it because life springs from water?  Perhaps it is water’s many sounds that attract us from a trickle to the churn of a storm or somewhere in between.  The sounds of water remind us of moments in life.  Moments of quiet, of discomfort or leisure.  Do we seek the water simply because we like the shimmer of light from different times of day and of different seasons?  Or do we just love the thought of water-based activities like swimming, boating, fishing, or surfing?  Perhaps somehow, we know that water connects us to everyone else in some small way.

Bay Park

Located on Avalon Bay with sweeping sunset views.  Cantilevered porches and a tranquil swimming pool give this client ample places to unwind.   

Fosterbunkport

Charred Cypress at Mid Island

This residence features cypress burnt in the Japanese style of shou sugi ban to provide a striking balance to the large glass walls with white trim.  Inside the large window wall is the open-riser stair with glass panel balusters where the treads appear to float in the space.  At the front of the home are angled columns accentuating the cantilevered second floor porch and living room.

West Indies Vibe

The feel of the Caribbean and the Florida Panhandle were important to this project.  While the outdoor living centered on a courtyard with a pool and cabana.

Caribbean Vibe

Bayfront Outdoor Living

Homage to the Hamptons

Living in a historic town in North Jersey in the off-season, the client sought a connection to the historic beach styles of the region.   A classic shingle style design reminiscent of the Hamptons with cedar siding and red cedar shake roof became the backdrop for the family’s retreat.  A large welcoming front porch with arched mahogany front door would be the main entrance with a side shingled archway for the family entrance.  Brick base, cedar patterning, balconies and blue, board & batten shutters add the final exterior touches.  As the family loves the beach and the outdoors, the rear yard incorporates a large screened porch with dune views, a grilling porch, an entertaining kitchen, a pool with large built-in seat and cabana with cathedral ceiling and furniture nestled around an outdoor masonry fireplace.  

Inside on the first floor, you find a family room with cypress paneling and molding.  The stair hall sweeps you up to the great room with cathedral ceiling.  The living room features masonry fireplace and generous bay window framing views to the beach.  Family heirloom furnishings and carefully selected antiques complete the family’s home to be enjoyed for many years to come.


Hamptons

Jackie Dory

A new home evoking fond memories of many summers spent at the Shore and inspired by the often retold tale of the boy Jackie Dory and the day he borrowed his Dad's boat.  The house has launched as a vessel to house many new island tales in the years to come.

Pied-a-terre

This pied-de-terre would not have been complete without living space, bar, kitchen,  mudroom and home office.  The entry connects the 1890 stone farmhouse to the new pied-de-terre.

Island Getaway

Sheltering Porches

Outdoor spaces and sheltering porches with large brackets make for a relaxing spot. #stoneharbor #rosemarybeach #30a #architecture

Fine Sawn on the North End

The use of three-dimensional models was an important tool in showing not only the forms but also to demonstrate how weathered wood was incorporated into the design.  The wood provides the client with an inviting connection to nature - in this case the surrounding beach environment.

Pennsylvania Harbor

Pennsylvania Harbor in Avalon, NJ

Seaside Sanctuary

Sunny Harbor

Designed to take advantage of the home's site on Sunny Harbor.  Inspired by the vernacular architecture of Ocean City, NJ where this house is constructed.

Bayou

Whether the client is at the pool or on one of the three levels of porches, there is always a view west across the bayou toward the bay and the sunset.

header

footer

Architecture

About Us

Contact Us

Process

Earlier Work

Testimonials

ARCHITECTS

DAVID C. BENNETT

Project Highlight Video

Floor plan preview

Is this your business? <t1>Log In</t1> to your account on Houzz Pro to reactivate your profile.

Houzz Pro Account Suspended

We will get back to you by email as soon as possible.

We have received your inquiry!

Map for {location}

Privacy Policy for this Site

This website stores cookies on your device and handles your information in accordance with the <t1>Houzz Privacy Policy</t1> and <t2>this website privacy policy</t2>. Select your preferences below. When you click “{ACCEPT_ALL}” this website can give you the best possible user experience.

This Website Uses Cookies

Your privacy is important. You can select your cookie preferences as described below. You can modify your preferences at any time.

Read more about the <t1>Houzz Privacy Policy link</t1> and <t2>this website privacy policy</t2> for more information about how these cookies are used.

This website uses cookies and similar technologies. Strictly necessary cookies are necessary for our website to function properly. If you consent to the use of other cookies, we use them to personalize your experience, serve you relevant content, and improve our products and services.