Coastal living has always held a special allure, being synonymous with relaxation, tranquility, and a connection to nature. Recently, modern architecture styled homes have gained more popularity along the mid-Atlantic coast as more homeowners seek a fresh, innovative coastal aesthetic that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, sustainable building, and contemporary design elements. These homes have evolved to seamlessly combine contemporary design with the rugged charm of coastal living, and to add features that ensure comfort and amenities throughout all seasons of the year.
So, what are the key design elements of modern architectural design? Less is More…It’s the simplicity found in modern design that makes homes of this nature so appealing to many. A modern-inspired coastal home is characterized by a streamlined, minimalistic design, both internally and externally, emphasizing strong clean lines and geometric shapes. Their planning embraces an open layout and features that flow easily throughout the home. Their aesthetics have minimal ornament, a simple neutral color palette, and lots of natural light by using glass design elements such as floor-to-ceiling window walls, retractable glass walls, glass corner windows, and glass balustrading.
Working with an experienced architect such as VAN VLIET architecture|design is essential when designing a modern coastal home that has a strong sense of place. Architects bring a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and practicality to the table, ensuring that your home not only looks stunning but also functions seamlessly.
In this article, we'll explore a few of the latest design trends that define modern coastal homes in 2023:
1. Versatile Outdoor Spaces
Today’s coastal living is all about connecting with the outdoors and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The trend of versatile multi-season outdoor spaces continues to evolve. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to be enjoyed year-round, with large motorized retractable/rotating louver-blade canopies, seasonal glass wind shields, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, and heated seating areas.
2. Upper-Level Main Living Floors & Rooftop Terraces
The recent prevalence of affordable home elevators (and luggage dumbwaiters) has allowed architects to flip the script and put the main living floor at the top. This arrangement allows the layout and design to take maximum advantage of scenic views, incorporate dramatic vaulted ceilings, transom windows and roof skylights for ample natural light. To gain access to water views, or make the most of them, many modern near-water houses are designed with rooftop decks or terraces. These elevated spaces are very conveniently accessed from an upper-level main floor kitchen, and offer the perfect spot for the aforementioned Versatile Outdoor Spaces.
3. Multi-Function, Flexible Spaces
Another popular trend is adding a multipurpose room that can adapt to various activities. These spaces can easily transform to accommodate various needs whether it's hosting separate kid gatherings (quietly), working from home, overflow sleeping, or exercising. Flexible furniture and convertible layouts are key elements in achieving this versatility. Some Pickleball aficionados have even taken to designing driveways or parking pads that can accommodate a court!
4. Advanced Siding Technology
Coastal homes are increasingly incorporating advanced rain-screen cladding systems, which utilize an air gap between the waterproofed structure and the outer siding layer. The air gap allows trapped moisture to escape and also creates an energy-efficient air space that acts as a passive insulator. This air layer helps buffer the transmission of excessive solar heat gain, as well as cold.
Several materials for the outer layer can be used. Wood rainscreen siding systems are naturally beautiful and sustainable, and certain woods like cedar and teak will naturally weather and age attractive over time as they are exposed to the elements. Zinc panels are a metal that oxidizes with exposure to moisture, and which becomes even more beautiful over time. As the outer surface oxidizes, it also forms a protective layer against further oxidation, helping to preserve the integrity of the structure. Other economical choices are fiber cement panels, or HPL (high-Pressure Laminate) panels.
5. Sustainable and Local Materials
Sustainability remains a top priority and central theme in modern design trends. Homeowners are increasingly opting for eco-friendly building materials such as natural-weathering wood siding, bamboo flooring, upcycled glass, recyclable metal roofing, and reclaimed wood, etc. When possible, the use of locally sourced materials not only reduces the environmental impact but also adds a unique touch of authentic character to the home.
6. Eco Friendly Design & Passive Solar
To align with the coastal lifestyle's natural ethos, modern coastal homes are prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency, by incorporating features such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, coated insulating glass, extra insulation, rooftop solar panels (or PV shingles), rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling systems for landscape irrigation.
One eco-friendly approach gaining more adoption is the integration of Passive Solar - Here are some key considerations for incorporating passive solar design into new homes:
Window Orientation, Sizing and Glazing: Larger, well-insulated windows on the south side to maximize solar gain during the winter months. Smaller or fewer windows on the west side to reduce heat gain in the summer, and on the north side for heat loss in the winter. Choose windows with a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for south-facing windows and a lower SHGC for east and west-facing windows. Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings can also help control heat transfer.
Shading: Use overhangs, shading devices, and deciduous trees strategically to block out excessive summer sunlight while allowing winter sun to enter. This can help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
Thermal Mass: Incorporate thermal mass materials, like concrete or tile floors, into the design. These materials can absorb and store heat from the sun during the day in the winter and release it slowly at night, or store cooling from overnight ventilation in the summer, helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
Natural Ventilation: Design the home to encourage natural cross-ventilation. This can be achieved by strategically placing operable windows and vents to allow cool breezes to flow through the home, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Incorporating solar/thermal “chimneys” is another way of improving the natural ventilation in the home, by using convection of air heated by passive solar energy, causing it to rise out the top of the chimney and drawing cooler air in from the shaded cool crawlspace or undercroft.
Passive Solar Heating: Incorporate passive solar heating systems, like a solar air heater or a solar water heater, to further enhance energy efficiency.
7. Smart Technology Integration
All-season coastal homes are incorporating cutting-edge smart home technology to enhance convenience and energy efficiency. From Wi-Fi accessible thermostats that adapt to changing weather conditions, to automated shading and window treatments that control summer heat gain while optimizing natural light, these homes are designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Home automation systems allow residents to control lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment systems with ease. Smart security systems also provide peace of mind for homeowners, whether they're away for the weekend or the entire season.
Considering a custom home? Give VVA a call to arrange a complimentary consultation.
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