Lower Bay Beach House
Living close to a lake or the ocean has benefits and drawbacks. Recreation and relaxation are a plus. Storms and windy days can cramp your fun. A beach house should be designed to maximize the home owner's exposure to the water and ocean breezes and be built well enough to withstand inclement weather. Weekend guests are a given, so it's important to plan for overnight stays. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Build the house on stilts for a better view of the water and to take advantage of ocean breezes. Stilts will also protect the house in case of flooding from storms. Install storm shutters on the windows.
2. Construct a wraparound porch or deck with a view of the water. Provide shade with a retractable awning, lanai, umbrellas or a sun sail. Move the air with ceiling fans. Build an outdoor kitchen on the patio or deck.
3. Make indoor-outdoor living easier by installing sliding glass doors or French doors. Let breezes cool the house by using large windows that open at opposite sides of each room. Add a screened porch for times when insects are a problem.
4. Consider adding a bunk room if you anticipate having guests. Build a guest house on the property if there's room or create a garage apartment.
5. Install an outdoor shower near the house to clean off sand when you return from the beach. Outdoor showers can be as simple as a rain barrel with a shower attachment or as complex as a fully plumbed area.
6. Design an open floor-plan that lets breezes and light penetrate all of the common areas of the house. Build private decks or balconies for each bedroom. Install ceiling fans in each room to avoid using air-conditioning.
7. Used weathered wood on the exterior of the house to mimic driftwood or paint the house bright Mediterranean colors.
8. Furnish the house with gauzy drapes and casual furniture that can stand up to indoor-outdoor living. Paint the walls beach colors like pale blues and greens.
Tags: Beach House, ceiling fans, each room, indoor-outdoor living, ocean breezes, view water