An extremely exposed, flood prone site in a cove along the Intracoastal Waterway with distant views to Wrightsville Beach was chosen by a young family for their second home.  A thick ring of live oaks offer protection from glare and strong winds and provides overhead shelter and shade on lower levels of the house and site.  The ground level takes advantage of distant views through the tree trunks.  The main/middle level and upper level are enveloped in the canopy.  The tower room and deck barely pierce the plane of the treetops for distant views to Carolina Beach and Figure Eight Island.   

Exposed wood and steel truss joists are whitewashed and lit with concealed rope lighting to conjure an aesthetic of industrial lofts where the clients choose to display their collection of photographs taken during their travels.  Ductwork is also exposed to reinforce the bare bones of the home.

The point and cove on which the house is located reminded the owners of the sites occupied by North Carolina Life Saving stations, and inspired the stair/observation tower and also the cupola, accessible only through a hidden ladder in the master closet.

Materials were chosen for their longevity and vernacular relevance.  Authenticity prevails in all detailing, especially with the construction of structural brackets supporting eaves almost four feet deep.