Guest Pavilion

A recently built guest house on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, a barrier island located just outside of Charleston, creatively adheres to flood zone, hurricane resistance and zoning requirements, resulting in a modern, open, and light-filled structure with a unique shaded exterior entertainment space.

The guest pavilion is a contemporary addition to a traditional beach house located well beyond several lines of planted dunes. The clients, a London-based couple who live in Charleston full-time during the summer and frequently entertain friends and family, wanted more indoor and outdoor social space, guest accommodations, an office, and a pool for lap and casual swimming. The pavilion is comprised of a den/media room, kitchenette, and office on the first floor, and, on the second floor, two en-suite bedrooms with full baths and a deck with beach views.

The long and narrow pavilion, much like the classic Charleston house, is positioned along the site lot line creating an expansive outdoor room and dramatic backdrop to the 66 ft long trapezoid shaped infinity pool – the social focal point of the space. As required by code, the addition is raised above the 100-year flood level, approximately 12 ft above grade. Most raised coastal homes use the space underneath for storage or parking. However, here it is an elegant shaded veranda, cooled by sea breezes coming over the adjacent pool. In order to create a finished space under the entire length of the building, the addition is treated like a boat, with the typical under house mechanical elements neatly incorporated above in storage spaces and built-in furniture.

The pavilion’s structural system, a rigid steel cage without any interior support columns or walls, provides superb hurricane resistance and allows for open airy interiors. The long span of the steel framing allowed the monumental concrete support columns to be spaced far apart, creating a grand, Southern-style shaded space under the house.

The pool-facing wall on both floors above is clad in floor to ceiling hurricane-resistant windows screened by louvers made of sustainably-harvested ipé, a tropical hard wood resistant to humidity. Despite being limited by zoning to a width of only 15 ft and a mere 1500 sf of enclosed space, the interiors feel generous due to the full-height glass wall that extends the length of the pavilion, the open layout, concealed pocket doors, and restrained palette. The site orientation, narrow width, and operable windows on each side allow for effective cross-ventilation during moderate weather. Throughout, local materials are used extensively including FSC certified cypress ceilings, Southern Pine floors, Southern Oak veneer millwork, and custom pre-cast pavers. The landscape design incorporates native plants and a minimal amount of lawn to reduce the need for extensive irrigation, and permeable pavers to reduce storm water run-off.

Awards:
2011 Society of American Registered Architects, National Design Excellence Award
2011 Society of American Registered Architects New York Chapter, Design Excellence Award
2011 Custom Home Magazine, Grand Award

Exhibits:
New Work New York, AIA New York, 2011
National Design Awards Exhibition, SARA, 2011
Design Awards Exhibition, SARA, New York Council, 2011
Made in New York, AIA New York, 2010

Stephen Yablon Architecture

Landscape Architect: Wertimer & Associates
Lighting Design: Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design
Engineers: 4SE, S&ME, CRG Engineering
Contractor: NBM Construction Co., Inc.
Furniture: Alta Fedalta king bed by Poltrona Frau, Teo night stands by Poliform, SYA-designed custom glass and powder coated steel desk by JMG Metal