The Big Kids Treehouse Kiawah National Award Winner

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.