BEACH BABY

This charming Cape Cod–style home on Barnegat Island, New Jersey, features a first-floor commercial space topped by a compact 550-square-foot apartment. After sustaining extensive water damage during Hurricane Sandy, the owners chose to elevate the entire structure by 42 inches to meet current FEMA flood regulations.
A distinctive decorative base, composed of wood boards arranged in alternating widths, was installed over the new foundation. This thoughtful detail adds visual interest and guides the eye around the building, creating a dynamic and engaging façade.
The upstairs apartment underwent a sensitive renovation that included raising the ceiling height to enhance the spatial experience within the modest living area. Painted wood boards draw the eye upward toward a newly introduced round window, adding architectural character and natural light.
Within the living space, a small yet elegant kitchen occupies one corner, while a built-in seating area anchors the opposite end—both designed to maximize functionality without compromising the apartment’s intimate scale.
This project balances practical flood mitigation requirements with careful attention to detail and a refined sense of place.