Westside Duplex by Boyd Architects – Contemporary Infill Housing in Historic Charleston

Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic Westside neighborhood, Westside Duplex by Boyd Architects redefines modern urban living within one of the United States’ most protected heritage districts. Designed in 2022, this 3,000 ft² infill project seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with historic Charleston design motifs, meeting the city’s stringent architectural oversight while addressing flood resilience, limited space, and evolving housing needs.

Urban Context and Site Constraints

Charleston’s downtown core is renowned for its low-rise historic architecture and strict preservation standards. The Westside neighborhood, nestled between the bustling Septima Clark Parkway and the expansive Hampton Park, faces significant design challenges due to sandy infill land, flood zones, and zoning restrictions.

The duplex was strategically built on what was once a backyard for an adjacent corner property. The infill development approach maximizes the site’s potential while adhering to regulations involving parking, flood safety, tree protection, and massing requirements.

Design Concept and Layout

The building houses two townhouse-style units, each spanning 1,500 ft² with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a private roof terrace. Side-loaded entries are shielded by powder-coated aluminum privacy screens, offering both security and a visual break from street activity.

Although technically one structure, the duplex’s front elevation is split by a large vertical break in the cantilever, visually distinguishing the two homes while preserving design symmetry.

Architectural Language and Materials

Boyd Architects took inspiration from historic Charleston elements but reinterpreted them with a modern twist. The façade features common lap siding, executed in poly-ash cladding for durability and precise mitered corners, eliminating the need for traditional trim boards.

Windows are framed with rotated trim boards to add depth and shadow play, enhancing the building’s architectural character. This combination of traditional proportions and innovative detailing respects Charleston’s heritage while projecting a forward-thinking aesthetic.

Resilience and Livability

Given the site’s location in a flood zone, the design incorporates elevated living spaces and robust materials for weather resilience. The rooftop terraces provide private outdoor living with panoramic neighborhood views, while the layout maximizes light, ventilation, and functional flow.

By marrying heritage respect with modern efficiency, Westside Duplex serves as a model for sustainable, high-quality urban infill in historically sensitive contexts.

All the photographs are works of Keith Isaacs Photo