Bray’s Island I is a two-story modern dwelling designed by Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein Architects, located in Brays Island, South Carolina. The design for this stunning single family residence began and ended with its compelling site.

On a piece of dry ground between a pond and a freshwater marsh, the house’s site was ringed by a stand of unusually tall and thin live oak trees (which are typically more dense, thicker and lower to the ground).

The functional program of this modern dwelling called for a generous living/gathering room, kitchen & dining, a screened porch, and attendant utility functions. Instead of a segregated bedroom, the owner desired a sleeping loft contiguous with the main living space. The loft opens out to a covered porch with views across the marsh.

The beautiful stone fireplace that climbs all the way up to the ceiling has a built-in niche to store firewood, nice and handy for those chilly nights from the cool ocean air.

Photos: Courtesy of Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein Architects