Cape Cod Architects – Opportunities and Familiar Challenges

The Cape & Islands have a lot to offer, from the rolling dunes of Squibnocket to the endless coastline of Chatham, so it’s no wonder they’re a worldwide destination at various times of the year! The region’s landscape and topography present unique opportunities for design while also introducing challenges that architects must navigate carefully. 

In this piece, we explore how implementing coastal New England architecture is a marvel of design. For most homeowners on the Cape & Islands, their property needs must harmonize with the natural beauty around them, and that’s no easy task. 

Cape Cod Architects & The Cape’s Unique Landscape

The Cape & Islands region is known for its dunes, marshlands, and beachfront cliffs, which create stunning vistas that most homeowners want to preserve and highlight. To fully integrate these natural features, architects design homes that blend into the landscape rather than overpower it. 

Here are some of the features that homeowners on the Cape & Islands want integrated into their home designs:

Unobtrusive Beach Access

If you’ve spent time on the Cape or Islands, you know that homeowners fortunate enough to have beachfront or beach-adjacent property want access to it. One effective design method incorporates stairs built into natural landscaping, allowing for environmentally friendly beach access that works with the flow of the property. These stairways are often constructed from weather-resistant materials like bluestone or wood. The desired result is a natural gradient of the dunes that blend with unfettered beach access. This harmonious relationship between the constructed and natural environments of the coastline is a hallmark of coastal architecture on the Cape & Islands. 

Prioritizing Waterfront Views

For homeowners with waterfront property, the view becomes the focal point of the design. Large, floor-to-ceiling glass panes are often utilized to maximize this connection to the ocean, offering unobstructed views while flooding the interior with natural light. Transparency and the relationship between indoors and outdoors are key design elements. Advancements in technology have allowed architects to balance aesthetics with functionality when using substantial amounts of glass without compromising energy efficiency. 

Honoring the Design Staples

Despite the modern innovations found in today’s coastal homes, there is a continued respect for the traditional forms that define Cape Cod architecture. Gambrel roofs, for example, are a beloved feature as they allow for greater interior space on the upper floor, maximizing the often limited square footage of Cape Cod home designs. Dormer windows, another classic element, bring additional light and ventilation to the upstairs rooms, adding to the cozy yet functional feel of the home.

Addressing Environmental Challenges: The 100-Year Floodplain

While the Cape’s natural beauty inspires design, it also presents environmental challenges. With much of the area sitting within the 100-year floodplain, architects must design homes that are resilient against the forces of nature; this means taking into account rising sea levels, storm surges, and other coastal weather events.

Elevated foundations, flood-resistant materials, and strategic landscape design are essential for these projects. Designers must also adhere to strict environment-focused building codes and regulations to ensure the longevity of the structures and the beautiful nature surrounding them. Balancing these considerations requires a careful, discreet, and deliberate approach.

Cape Cod Architects Define the Cape and Islands Architecture

Whether you are looking to do a new build or considering a home renovation design, we remain committed to honoring the traditions of the Cape & Islands while incorporating modern touches that make this beautiful area even more enjoyable. 

Learn more about Cape Cod-style homes in our accompanying blog, and contact our team with any questions regarding your next project.