Stono River Residence published in Luxe Magazine

Inspired by mid-century architecture, this modern residence located in Charleston, South Carolina captures Stono River views with transparency and clean detailing. Forever thankful for our clients who trusted us and the collaboration with these pros:

Landscape Architect: Steve Dudash

Interiors: Allison Elebash

Builder: Cline Homes

Photography: Julia Lynn

Styling: Kate Malpeli

Author: Stephanie Hunt

Excerpt from Luxe Interiors + Design Southeast Nov/Dec 2022 by Stephanie Hunt:

“The sun slipping beneath the horizon of Charleston’s Stono River affords a view unlike any other. The languid humidity, lingering nearly the whole year here, filters light like a kaleidoscope, tossing color to and fro. Frame this scene in the arms of majestic, moss-draped oaks, and it’s enough to take your breath away.

Such were the natural gifts of a picturesque Charleston property, where one couple hoped to capture these Lowcountry dreamscapes from every angle. Although the pair had adored a steel-and-glass addition at their previous, more traditional home, the Stono River site afforded the opportunity to indulge their midcentury preferences from the ground up. A respected real estate developer in the area, the husband already had collaborated with architects Rush and Judy Dixon on several commercial projects in the past, which made teaming up for a new residence a no-brainer. “This house is all about the view and connection to the water,” reveals Judy, adding that a benefit of embracing a modernist discipline is its inherent minimalism. “From our first meeting, these clients were clear they didn’t want something grand, fussy or ostentatious; rather, a home that would be organic, eclectic and clean,” she continues. “They understand the power of simplicity.”

Joining the project from the outset, landscape architect, Steve Dudash had the fortune of consulting heavily on the home’s siting, even directing a 180-degree flip in orientation to best capture the sunset views. To further leverage the river vistas and blur boundaries between inside and out, the Dixons devised a transparent, open living space. Bound by glass on two sides, it’s bookended by the primary suite as well as a two-story tower hosting additional bedrooms and a den. “The main living area easily absorbs all comings and goings when everyone is busy at home, but it still feels intimate when it’s just the two of them,” Judy says. “It was essential that every room, every space, feel comfortable on a personal scale, and with a connection to nature.” In the public spaces, cypress ceilings, soffits and a louvered overhang that filters strong afternoon sunlight all speak to local natural materials. Such details underscore the tireless efforts of buider Jay Godefroy and his team, including design coordinator Alexandra Frick. “Jay was exceptionally patient and thorough,” reveals Rush, who ensured a nod to classic Charleston vernacular by way of a white stucco facade.

Serenity comes not only from the breathtaking location, but from the simplicity of the interiors, where designer Allison Elebash capitalized on the Dixons’ modernist hallmarks. She anchored the main living area, for example, using a curved sofa with 1970s notes. “Solving the seating configuration in such a large horizontal space was tricky,” admits Elebash, adding that its embracing shape and golden mohair upholstery smartly combine form and function: lush to the touch, but durable enough to stand up to daily life. “I loved the practicality of these clients,” continues Elebash. In every part of the house, “they wanted to avoid anything extraneous; everything is purposeful.”

A custom walnut dining table bridges the area between this gathering space and the kitchen, where a calming palette of earth tones and sky blues is expressed through a dark gray island countertop and azure leather stools - all streamlined, per the clients’ request, so as not to compete with the views. But Elebash pushed back against the husband’s “no maintenance, no upkeep” pragmatism when it came to the kitchen backsplash. “I insisted we go with real marble,” recounts the designer, who specified a book-matched slab of Calacatta Namibia because “nothing beats the drama of natural stone.”

Situating the pool deck to capture the same sight lines as the house, however, required no cajoling. “Everyone agreed on the size, shape and location of the infinity pool, which would be surrounded by a bluestone patio,” Rush recounts. “The owners’ bedroom wraps around it, so again, there’s a connection from their personal space as well as the living room.” Keeping the pool and patio on the same elevation as the house likewise guaranteed the outdoor areas - updated by Dudash with fresh plantings of beautyberry, African iris, Foster holly and more - would be a seamless extension of the interior.

From this vantage point, the homeowners can fully soak up their fulfilled vision: a modern homage to Charleston’s ancient landscape that marries old and new, indoors and out, natural and man-made, with peace and practicality. After all, as the storied river and old oaks know, simplicity is best when nature’s beauty is so abundant.”

What Modern Design Means to Us

We are passionate about design, work hard and have fun along the way. Over the years, we have leaned more and more toward minimalism and a modernist approach to our designs while keeping eyes wide open to the environmental and built context. Add in the end user’s programmatic requirements to complete the march towards form following function. Historically, the term ‘modern architecture’ describes an architectural style lacking ornamentation and embracing minimalism, usually by incorporating the use of glass, steel and concrete. The Mid-Century Modern era emphasized bringing nature inside, a contradiction of materials and textures, bold and geometric forms among others. Modern design to us means functional, empathetic, sustainable, and edited design. Our derivation of this movement is ever changing with the needs of our clients, construction materials and sustainable strategies. We feel there is power in simplicity and continue to evolve, refine and explore with each design opportunity.

Entryway at a custom home in Mount Pleasant with floor and ceiling materials carrying through from inside to outside. Photo: Tripp Smith

The offices in Coastal Fertility Specialists’ Nexton location benefit from full height glass bringing natural light and views as well as a respite from the clinical areas. Photo: Chris Smith

Houzz: Creating Separation in an Open Floor Plan

Our clients are avid travelers and collectors, cherishing found and curated objects so we had a some fun designing a custom display built-in that also serves an entry screen. Pictured here is the final solution building by Alka Construction in the Fulton Neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Houzz recently included this custom solution in their article "15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan." Click HERE for a link to the article.

The Offices at Belle Hall

Commercial office design doesn’t often start with details; it begins with big picture math - proformas, core factors, totals of leasable space, parking calcs, etc. While all of these formulas came into play early and often during the design of this speculative office building, we were able to focus equally on the small design moments that seek to make a building and space unique.

Glass guardrail system with stainless steel hardware.

Warm walnut paneling contrasts the white terrazzo stair treads and tile flooring.

Tenant entrances each have frameless glass doors with walnut surrounds.

Exterior entrance introduces you to the wood and slat elements in conjunction with charcoal painted steel.

Metal wall panels and brick are the primary exterior materials - balancing a sense of permanence with a contemporary aesthetic.

Inspiration from Roma - Elizabeth Unique Hotel

As architects in Charleston, we are students of history successfully meeting modernity and seek out those moments when homage is paid to historic structures with meaningful renovations for current day functions. During a recent visit to Rome, we found ourselves in one such transformation at the Palazzo Pulieri Ginetti - the Elizabeth Unique Hotel. An ancient palazzo, lush and thoughtful interiors by Studio Marincola Architects, art curated by the nearby Russo Art Gallery - it’s a wonder we ever left. The architects, interior designers, artists and craftspeople involved with this hotel design struck the perfect balance of honoring the historic vessel it inhabits while offering an environment that is somehow bold and restrained at the same time; the details were as powerful as the overarching effect. Bravo, we will be learning from this one for a long time.

Entry lobby. Artist: Enrico Benetta

Monumental stair design was perfection: carrara marble, lighted gold handrails with dark wood guards. Sculpture: Enrico Benetta

Manuel Felisi’s collage anchors the stair landing. [If you know the lighting designer / manufacturer for the light fixtures, please let us know.]

Edited entry into the room, neutral colors, arches are introduced with gold accents.

Old meets new: vintage black and white sceneries printed on wall covering adds a nostalgic layer but the execution and composition is quite contemporary.

Probably the best color of blue we have ever seen was introduced on the wall separating the sleeping area from the utilities. You can see the gold accents better here.

Giorgio Tentolini’s wire net artworks. This person is a genius.

“Dandelion” by Enrico Benetta