Dune House: Ziger Snead’s Resilient Delaware Coastal Retreat

Baltimore-based studio Ziger Snead Architects has successfully completed the Dune House on a restricted corner lot in Fenwick Island, Delaware. This striking three-storey retreat was custom-built for a family with decades of history tied to the local coastline. You can explore more examples of innovative layouts by checking out our home design features.

The resulting bar-shaped structure carefully navigates a strict 35-foot height limit while maximizing its stunning ocean views. Expansive terraces and balconies cantilever gracefully along the eastern elevation to engage with the dynamic maritime landscape.

Architectural Form and Materiality

The exterior of the residence is clad entirely in durable Accoya wood left purposefully unfinished to weather naturally in the salty air. Strategic wooden slats soften the building silhouette while casting fascinating patterns of light and shadow across the facade.

Resilient Coastal Construction

To combat potential flooding, the ground level employs specialized breakaway construction housing a garage, gym, and beach-living amenities. This thoughtful engineering ensures the home remains deeply anchored to its environment without disrupting fragile surroundings.

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Interior Layout and Custom Details

The middle floor contains a cozy lounge alongside four bedrooms, all granting direct terrace access and breathtaking ocean vistas. Every level is meticulously planned to foster deep connections between the inhabitants and the Atlantic backdrop.

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The Upper Level Living Experience

The top floor hosts the primary bedroom and open-plan communal zones dedicated to daily living, dining, and entertaining. These upper spaces open completely onto a massive terrace cantilevering 17 feet out over the dunes.

Inside, the project utilizes a muted material palette emphasizing custom regional elements like concrete mixed with beach sand. A striking dining table crafted from a fallen Baltimore ash tree anchors the interior design to its geographic origins.

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Embracing the Fenwick Island Landscape

The Dune House stands as a testament to creative problem-solving within tight zoning parameters and demanding coastal environments. It honors multi-generational family ties while establishing a resilient blueprint for future beach-house construction.

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Here is the source article for this story: Giant balconies line Delaware beach house by Ziger Snead