33
e Adirondacks Meet Charleston
C
aptivated by Marc's earlier work in the Adirondacks—particularly lodge Great Rooms from
the region—the homeowners approached Camens Architectural Group with the mind to have
a Great Room of their own. Taking inspiration from big lodge rooms of the Northeast, Marc refined
the design to include finished and trimmed beams, painted and polished to reflect the homes of
Charleston.
In the Great Room, which provides space for the living and dining rooms, finished beams run under the
underbuilt ceiling and add intimacy to the cathedral-like space, transforming a voluminous ceiling into
a more comfortable, U-shaped design. Light filters in from above, allowing sunshine to illuminate the
room. The dormers create texture and the beams across the room break the big space up crosswise,
taking the tension out of the space. A soffit band around the room provides space for recessed lighting
and serves to break the room up vertically.
In every room, the closer the eye travels to the lower level, the more detail becomes apparent. This
creates a sense of intimacy that is necessary when building a large-scale space. The reverse-floor plan
home features a plentitude of custom millwork and trim, at the request of the homeowner. In the entry,
an exceptionally tall door element, created by pediments with a transom above the door, helps to
connect the entry level with the main floor above. Cohesive design and gentle angles make this home
a charming design that has served as inspiration for nearly a dozen other homes in the region.
KIAWAH ISLAND, SC
