Splyce Design renovates Shoreline House with coastal extension sensitive to environment
Shoreline House by Splyce Design demonstrates how contemporary architecture can harmonize with the environment while addressing the needs of modern living. The residence is located on a rugged stretch of coastline, where suburban housing transitions into untamed natural terrain.
Originally built in the 1960s, the property presented both challenges and opportunities for transformation. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, Splyce Design prioritized renovation to reduce environmental impact while carefully introducing a new extension that complements the existing structure.
The decision to renovate instead of starting from scratch was guided by ecological responsibility. With the property positioned directly adjacent to the ocean, sensitive habitat zones demanded a restrained approach. Splyce Design opted for a compact, single-storey addition that houses the primary bedroom and ensuite.
This addition was shaped by strict waterfront setback rules, resulting in an unconventional building envelope. By minimizing excavation and lightly anchoring the new structure to the terrain, the architects ensured that the natural setting remained largely undisturbed.
Architecturally, the extension offers a distinct yet respectful counterpoint to the original house. Its cedar cladding, finished in a light stain, emphasizes warmth and tactility, while the existing shed-roof forms continue to reference the surrounding granite shoreline with darker tones.
The roofline of the new volume lifts dramatically, reaching 13 feet above a cantilevered wall, giving the impression of weightlessness while providing shade and privacy. The overall effect enhances the dialogue between the old and new forms while strengthening the relationship between built and natural landscapes.
The arrival sequence has been carefully orchestrated to heighten the experience of entering the home. A colonnade-lined staircase leads visitors toward the entrance, gradually revealing the interplay of architectural volumes. The approach emphasizes rhythm and procession, balancing openness with moments of enclosure.
This sense of flow continues inside, where expansive glazing captures views of the water, distant landforms, and daily shifts in light. Frameless windows blur thresholds, while others are positioned with precision to frame specific panoramas, creating a living environment that feels immersed in its coastal context.
Outdoor spaces are designed to extend the architecture into the surrounding landscape. Patios and pathways integrate seamlessly with existing vegetation and rock formations, reinforcing the idea that the building is part of the site rather than imposed upon it.
The result is a home that achieves a balance between comfort and ecological awareness, demonstrating how architecture can adapt to natural constraints without compromising design ambition. Splyce Design’s Shoreline House stands as an example of how sensitive renovation can both preserve and enhance the essence of a coastal property, ensuring that human habitation coexists responsibly with the environment.
Photography by Ema Peter with courtesy of v2com
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