House on a Wharf by ElliottArchitects: Coastal Living Redefined in Brooksville

Nestled along a small coastal harbor in Brooksville, United States, the House on a Wharf by ElliottArchitects is a masterful reinterpretation of a historic early 20th-century waterfront property. Spanning 1,819 ft², this residential architecture project reimagines a site that previously served multiple purposes: from a steamer service hub to a laundromat, apartment house, and summer retreat, while celebrating its maritime legacy.

Elevated Waterfront Design for Resilient Coastal Living

To address the challenges of coastal flooding, the design team elevated the new residence on piers, positioning it safely above the high tides that once infiltrated the original home. The stone wharf was reinforced and raised, providing a stable foundation for the structure. A wraparound deck on the first floor enhances outdoor living, creating seamless connections between the main house and the adjacent guest house/studio, which is elegantly suspended over the water. This strategic design ensures that residents enjoy unobstructed waterfront views while maintaining a strong relationship with the unique site.

Sustainable Systems and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is central to the project. Photovoltaic panels on the guest house reduce electrical consumption, while heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling. The home’s orientation maximizes passive solar heating, complemented by a high-performance thermal envelope featuring continuous insulation around the perimeter and blown-in insulation within walls and roof cavities. These thoughtful interventions minimize energy use and maintain comfortable interior conditions year-round.

Thoughtful Materiality and Environmental Sensitivity

The design prioritizes durable, low-maintenance local materials. Rough hemlock frames the deck, white cedar shingles clad the exterior, and wood finishes articulate interior walls and ceilings. All finishes and sealants were carefully selected to eliminate harmful off-gassing, ensuring a healthy indoor environment. Local stone was employed for the wharf and landscaping, while native, saltwater-tolerant plantings reduce irrigation needs and enhance the property’s natural integration with the coastal environment.

Seamless Integration of Interior and Exterior Spaces

Inside, open-plan living areas capitalize on natural light and waterfront views, creating airy, welcoming spaces for everyday living. The layout harmoniously blends indoor comfort with outdoor connectivity, making the most of the waterfront setting. Every design decision: from spatial planning to material selection: reflects a careful balance of tradition, modernity, and sustainability, demonstrating how residential architecture can respond elegantly to environmental and historical context.

  All photographs are works of  Trent Bell