Higgins Beach Cottage

When reimagining an existing cottage on Higgins Beach, our goal was to create a playful retreat for a young family looking to enjoy a barefoot, beach lifestyle. While the original house had no water view, it had the potential for a glimpse of the ocean from an attic level. Working with complicated town zoning ordinances and within a tight buildable envelope, we designed a vertical tower with an upper level that serves as a study and overflow guest space with a small balcony for views of the beach. Subtle changes to the floor plan, the relocation of doors and windows, and a rebuilt front porch provide open living spaces and a contemporary plan. Sustainable materials and systems were used throughout with some playful touches.