something different – and at the same time, we worked really hard to be both contemporary and contextual.” Encompassing a stretch of coastal wetlands, the site played a big part in the design of Edgecamp Sporting Club. The northern arm of the home is taller with fewer windows to block the northeast wind. The southern arm, on the other hand, is lower so sun can reach areas that would otherwise be shaded. The white roof is reminiscent of classic Outer Banks flat tops, many of which were constructed on the northern beaches throughout the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. “I’m a resident of Southern Shores, and I really love working on flat tops,” Chris says. “Flat roofs are just a natural fit – but down in Hatteras, you don’t see very much of this.” The retreat’s woven cedar shake corners and the absence of trim boards are other design elements one might expect to see in very traditional coastal homes. Edgecamp’s distinctive use of cable rails, though, adds a more modern touch, which noticeably opens up the views from the house’s decks and interiors. “On the Outer Banks, you see a lot of homes that are completely shrouded in decks, which can block the views,” Chris explains. “We tried to minimize that by using cable rail – or even just by eliminating the decks altogether.” A few small decks and a screened porch can still be found on the front of the house, while the back is all thoughtfully placed decks adorned with cable rail – which appears nearly invisible when set against the surrounding scenery. On every level, windows showcase the expansive Pamlico Sound. “The sound view is spectacular,” Chris says. “Up on the top floor, it’s like being on a boat. There are water views everywhere. That was intentional.” Indoors, the spaces feel somewhat industrial with a chic, backpacker aesthetic. The angles preserve light in the gathering areas, and artwork is limited because the point of Edgecamp’s design is to showcase as many aspects of Hatteras’ natural charms as possible. “That’s what we want people to be surrounded by, so that’s what we built,” Richard says. “At every turn, we tried to elevate the game – and not to do so from a sense of luxury and prestige, but rather by letting the beauty of nature speak for itself.”
N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 19
