Libre Residence

The house is located in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey and is positioned “2nd in” from the oceanfront. The original intention was to renovate and expand the existing structure and create a summer residence for a growing family. Due to the local building codes & environmental restrictions, it was required that we raise the entire grade of the property which made lifting and reusing the existing structure unrealistic, requiring that the new design be positioned in the footprint of the old house, a new house around the “ghost” of the old one.

The primary idea of the new design was to position all the living & entertaining spaces on the 2nd floor to maximize the views of the ocean and capture the natural breezes. We created an open space covered by an angled roof system of exposed douglas-fir beams & purlins, capped with structural insulated panels. A pair of large pocket doors expand the living room space and open onto a screen room and porch with great views of the ocean. A tall east-facing window frames a slice of the ocean in the entry stair space. All 6 Bedrooms are placed on the 1st floor and have a separate stair down to the private beach access at the rear of the property. The ground level has a series of walkways which run underneath the house and between tall grasses and specimen trees. The outdoor showers, beach storage, plunge pool, and garden areas are all located in the more private, rear portion of the property. The exterior of the house is clad in natural Alaskan white cedar shake siding, red cedar trim and railings with a painted cement board base. 

Photography: Michael Spark Photography

Builder: Paul R. Maina Builders