A Contemporary Addition To A Traditional Beach House In South Carolina

Stephen Yablon Architecture designed this guest pavilion, a contemporary addition to a traditional beach house on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina.

The architect’s description

An elegant modern addition to a traditional beach house, renovated by SYA years earlier, forms a dramatic backdrop to a 66’ long infinity pool and creates an expansive outdoor gathering space for family and guests. The pavilion is raised above hurricane flood level and finished beneath to provide shaded living spaces cooled by sea breezes.

The pool-facing wall, which is glass to maximize natural light and views to the pool and beach, is screened by sustainably forested wood louvers. Natural ventilation is enabled by the structure’s narrow width and operable windows on each side.

The interiors are spacious, light-filled, and connected to the pool as a result of the window wall, an open plan divisible by concealed pocket doors, a simple minimal palette, and carefully framed views.

The pavilion, a modern interpretation of a traditional Charleston, South Carolina house, a long narrow box shaded by a long porch, is highly responsive to its site and climate and creates a strong connection to the regional culture.