Designing with Coastal Codes in Mind

Designing a home on the Cape & Islands is a unique balancing act – equal parts creativity and compliance. Coastal architecture demands not only vision and artistry, but a deep understanding of the regulations that shape what’s possible.

From FEMA floodplain requirements to setback limitations and evolving rules around foundation heights, the framework is constantly shifting. A home that met code a decade ago may now sit in a designated flood zone, simply due to updated data and revised coastal assessments. 

In contemporary Cape Cod homes in areas like Orleans or Falmouth, surveyors routinely reassess floodplains, making compliance a moving target. Homes must often be built above the 100-year flood elevation, and proximity to wetlands or dunes impacts everything from structure placement to material selection. 

Coastal Home Architects 

Our work on Cape Cod often begins with these logistical details to ensure every project meets code before design development even begins; we balance these technical constraints with architectural beauty. Our team designs homes that withstand coastal conditions while maintaining light, proportion, and character. 

In one of our recent projects, the Lake House in Orleans, we worked with clients who owned a picturesque lakefront parcel and asked for a home that fully engaged the site’s potential. We began by stepping the house into the slope, creating a walk-out lower level, and maximizing water views from virtually every room. With the grade falling toward the lake, we anchored the building such that the main living areas lifted above the slope, and the screened porch and vaulted great room subtly echoed the former “camp” on the site’s prior incarnation.

Rather than elevating the structure on visible piers or compromising the shingle-style presence, we integrated the foundation into the landscape using natural stone retaining walls. All of this had to be accomplished in compliance with coastal codes and floodplain considerations. 

Collaborating by the Coast

We collaborate closely with surveyors and local conservation commissions. In doing so, we design resilient homes that feel purposeful in their surroundings, not apart from them. From raised foundations with hidden garage levels to durable siding and roofing materials that harmonize with the Cape’s unique palette, every decision reflects a dialogue between aesthetics and the environment.

Design work on coastal areas must emphasize adaptability. Because flood zone boundaries are regularly reassessed, we design with flexibility in mind—foundations and landscape elevations that can accommodate future code changes without disrupting design integrity. 

Designing within coastal codes requires precision, but it also demands creativity/adaptability. With the right architectural partner, resilience and beauty can coexist in the homestead. To consult with experienced Cape Cod architects, please contact the Slocum Hall Design Group today.