In the backyard, you’ll find a pool with a bright red, metal spiral staircase coming from the upper deck down to the swimming area. A large sliding board leans against a tree, creating an environmentally clever play area. The next project is to build a treehouse in that same tree. Beneath the deck are at least a couple of dozen surf boards. “My wife and I met surfing and we love to surf. The boards get worn, but we keep them in case we have guests. Believe it or not, we’ve got more in storage,” says Piper. Because the house is constructed in levels, it provides lots of private areas. On the first level, an in-law suite, complete with kitchenette, ensures grandparents will visit often, much to the boys’ delight. “Sometimes, Tina and I will have a date night, go to a movie or something, then come back to the in-law suite. It’s like going to a hotel,” says Piper. There is also a laundry room on the first level. As you climb about nine steps, you arrive at the second level, which is the family room/kitchen area. On two sides of the family room are large decks, one with an outside fire pit. These are accessed via large glass doors, giving a wonderful feeling of openness to the living area. Many of the construction materials are recycled. The idea of using building supplies from other places dovetails nicely with Piper’s idea of helping the environment. His own business, Tidal Wave Construction, enables him to find interesting pieces from his renovation projects to reuse in new ways. The wall behind the fireplace in the living room is one example. “This is an old tin roof from a building I worked on. They were going to throw it out. I didn’t know back then where I’d use it, so I stored it. My wife wanted to paint it but I like the worn look of it — I think it makes the fireplace,” says Piper. For entertaining, the entire level can be opened up so the two decks connect to the living room and kitchen. And if a guest wants to go for a swim, there is that lovely spiral staircase curving down to the pool area. The next level, which forms a loft above the main living area, consists of a small gym and Piper’s office. “The boys love to come in here and wrestle. I got head gear for them and boxing gloves because they really go at it. I made them this climbing wall and got the hand grips for a great price, used, of course. Their friends come over and don’t want to go home,” says Piper of the mat-lined area loaded with exercise equipment. A punching bag completes the set-up. On the other side of the L-shaped level is Piper’s office. 60
Salt • March 2014
The Art & Soul of Wilmington