The original home on this site was destroyed during the January 2024 storms despite being a seemingly safe distance away from the ocean. Given its extraordinary views and location on the midcoast, the clients wanted to rebuild but didn’t want to face the same risk.

David Matero Architecture designed the new house farther away from the shore and raised the first floor seven feet above the original house elevation. Resiliency is built in with a robust envelope, triple- glazed windows, and hurricane shutters. The shutters will protect the large openings facing the water and view. Only a few items were able to be salvaged from the original home, including a wooden Czech screen, which is being utilized as a piece of art at the front door, and all the solar panels, which will fit on the garage roof.

The clients have named their future home “Lagniappe,” which means “a little something extra” in Louisiana culture. An upside-down layout, with living spaces and a primary bedroom on the second floor, maximizes the scenery while still providing” “family-friendly privacy on the lower level. The new build reflects the clients’ modern sensibilities, blending the simplicity of the architecture with the use of natural materials and accent features to create a warm and comfortable environment, even when seeking shelter from Mother Nature.

Location: Bristol
Architect: David Matero Architecture
Landscape Architect: Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture
Structural Engineer: Trillium Engineering Group
Mechanical Engineer: BuildingWorks
Contractor: Rideout & Turner
Construction Start: 2025