Bay House

Located on the banks of Choctawhachee Bay along the Emerald Coast of Florida, this permanent residence sits among the 100-year-old Southern Live Oaks that have long called this place home.



This family’s connection to the bay is palpable. From day cruising, trips to visit stores and friends, and competitive saltwater fishing, the bay’s water has been and is a crucial part of everyday life. This strong connection between this family’s life and the bay became a cornerstone of the design influencing both the home’s organization & visual connection to the water.



Incorporating the architectural southern heritage of the region, using vernacular materials both on the interior and exterior was important. But to reflect further, the design also incorporates spiritual and ritualistic symbols of the indigenous Muscogee Indian tribe as described herein.



Desiring to go even deeper, we sought to explore the mathematics of water and how it could influence the design of the house. Not simply as water relates to itself, but how water relates to a boat traveling upon it. This process led us to a study by the US Navy and the effects that waves have on the hull of a boat. Upon comprehension, we allowed this wave theory (which is angular in nature) to speak into and influence the geometries and forms of the roof structure and planes, creating a wholistic organizational language.