PROJECT Ocean Sundial
ARCHITECT Donald Lococo Architects, LLC
LOCATION  South Bethany, Delaware US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  2/3/2022
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Donald Lococo, AIA, David Moore
OWNER/CLIENT
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Construction / Shay Gallo
PHOTOGRAPHER  Anice Hoachlander
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
CIVIL ENGINEER Simpler Surveying & Associate, Inc. / Gregory Hook
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Linton Engineering, LLC / David Linton
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ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
This ocean-front getaway employs a sawtooth form to capture ocean views and dawn’s first light. From that initial glimmer, light not only floods the top floor, but is channeled deep into the home down a central stairway.

Purchased by a family of 5 with teenage children, this slice of oceanfront property allowed for a house 32 feet wide. The depth had even more limitations because of local and state restrictions. Regardless, even though a larger inland property was an option for the same price, the owners trusted the advantages of ocean views were worth the limitations of size. This trust was handed to the architect. Furthering the challenge was the size of their closely knit extended family (8 siblings on her side and 3 on his) who would frequent the house during the summer months.

The top floor is designed as an open plan to maximize space, save a crib/office room pushed to a west corner used for phone calls and napping babies. This arrangement allowed the common areas to remain closest to the sunrise and allow the light to flood down the stair shaft.

The shaft not only channels sunlight downward but captivates the visitor to drive them upward upon entering. This begins as soon as one touches the front doorknob. From there, one sees sunlight shining in the stair shaft prompting them to begin their rise to the ocean panorama at the top. Upon climbing only a few treads one is met with vertical fins that bounce and reflect light as one ascends. Halfway, at mid-level, ocean views are discovered not only upward but through the second-floor rooms where floor to ceiling views are seen through oceanside bedroom doors. Overhead, pendant lights on cables reminiscent of fishing lines sway in cross breezes. At the top floor, a panoramic view is achieved by the sawtooth form. The sawtooth form is not arbitrary. State guidelines mandate a 25% roof slope. The sawtooth form addresses the requirement but also positions the peak of the sawtooth at the view. Rather than a triangular view from the typical gable solution, the sawtooth yields a view 13-foot-high by 18-foot-wide. The base of the house remains open. From the curb and in full view of community, folks walking or biking by see the dune fencing at the back of the property under the raised house. When the dune fencing is viewed together with the house’s Shou-Sugi-Bahn fin cladding, it becomes clear that this fin selection references this local built element. Dune fencing which is associated with stabilizing coastal environments. The fins at the front elevation manage privacy at the street and window heat gain. To allow for window cleaning and light in, the fin spacing gradually increases at front fenestration following a sine wave’s curve, mimicking a wave-like pattern.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

“This project was one the Jury’s favorite Residential Projects, all around comments mentioned the success of this solution. The privacy screen provides an interactive element that allows animation with sunlight on its interiors and a colorful contrast when the artificial light comes on. The light and sober use of materials, screening elements and frames, provides a serene space for enjoying the views of the ocean. Great consideration was taken in handling exposure. Allowing the context to coexist even under the house by its light supports also helps with not impacting the ecosystem. The jury chose this one as one of the most impacting projects and deserving of a Merit award.” –Jose Lobo

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. View from beach along dunes. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
2. View from beach along dunes. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
3. Interior view from breakfast room sunrise. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
4. Left interior view from bottom of stairway, Right interior view from top of stairway. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
5. Left view street side, Right inspiration of dune fencing. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
6. Left sunset from street, Right sunset detail from street. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
7. Right beach side straight on from dunes, Left beach side oblique from dunes. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
8. Interior view of Third Floor Family Room from Kitchen. Anice Hoachlander, Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC, 113 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816