Peter Kubilus Photography www.kubilusphoto.com

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio -- Photos: Greg Page Photography

The Big Kids’ Tree House—Kiawah Island Everyone loves a tree house. They sow lofty dreams and spark the imagination. They are sites of physical play and tranquil relaxation. They elevate the mundane to the magical. This “tree house” is a one-of-a kind vacation home and guesthouse located in a maritime forest on Kiawah, a barrier island, in South Carolina. Building setbacks, height restrictions, minimum first floor height and lot coverage were all restricted design parameters that had to be met. The most significant challenge was a 24” live oak whose canopy covers 40% of the lots’ buildable area. The tree was not to be moved. The focus of the design was to nestle the home into its surrounding landscape. The owners’ vision was for a family retreat which the children started referring to the “Big Kids Tree House”. The home and the trees were to be one; capturing spectacular views of the golf course, lagoon, and ocean simultaneously while taking advantage of the beauty and shade the live oak has to offer. The wrap around porch, circular screen porch and outdoor living areas provide a variety of in/outdoor experiences including a breathtaking 270º view. Using western red cedar stained to match the wooded surroundings helps nestle this home into its natural setting. By incorporating all of the second story rooms within the roof structure, the mass of the home was broken up, allowing a bunkroom and workout room above the garage. Separating the parking area allowed the main structure to sit lower and more comfortably on the site and above the flood plain. The house features classic interior trim detailing with v-groove wood ceilings, wainscoting and exposed trusses, which give it a sophisticated cottage feel. Black walnut floors with ivory painted trim unify the homes interior.

Photo: Crystal Shafer Waye

The Master Bath needed some updates as it suffered from an out of date, extra large tub, a very small shower and only one sink. Keeping with the Mood, a new larger vanity was added in a beautiful dark green with two sinks and ample drawer space, finished with gold framed mirrors and two glamorous gold leaf sconces. Taking in a small linen closet allowed for more room at the shower which is enclosed by a dramatic black framed door. Also, the old tub was replaced with a new alluring freestanding tub surrounded by beautiful marble tiles in a large format that sits under a deco glam chandelier. All warmed by the use of gold fixtures and hardware.

This is a total-gut remodel: we replaced everything but the sheetrock. We used marble-styled porcelain tile for the floor, walls, and shower. The top top around the tub is mint-colored glass tiles.We installed Carrara Marble countertops on custom painted-maple cabinets with square undermount sinks. The wall against the tub and the bar that the tub faucet sits on in a large sheet of true marble.

1950's bathroom updated using the same footprint as original bathroom. Original tub was refinished, electrical and lighting upgraded. Shampoo niche added in tub shower. Subway tile installed along with chair rail cap.

Jane Koblin - Residential Building Designer / Space Planner 310-474-1884 janekoblin@gmail.com

3rd floor Kid's bathroom, with mini shower

Bright pretty bathroom and new double hung window, with obscured glass in bottom sash, for privacy. This lovely bathroom looks great with white tile and fixtures and a new white replacement window to match. Find out more about getting new windows for your house from Renewal by Andersen of Long Island, serving Suffolk and Nassau Counties, as well as Queens and Brooklyn.

Architect: Carol Sundstrom, AIA Contractor: Adams Residential Contracting Photography: © Dale Lang, 2010