The Coastal Cottage is now complete. For more pictures see Coastal Cottage Interior and Coastal Cottage Exterior.
This is the exterior of a current project on the Rhode Island shore. Following is the story, so far...Regular updates will follow the construction as it progress.
From tearing down the original structure to completing the interior and the owners moving back in, the whole project will take eight months. Prior to construction, the design and permitting process took about one year and involved getting permits from DEM, CRMC, FEMA, DOH, and the local building department. For a look at why we chose the exterior siding we did go to our Exterior Siding Evaluation.
This is the original cottage - a 1960s prefabricated Kingston Cottage. We had hoped to do a gut rehab and add one bedroom as a second floor addition. But after consulting with the local building official and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council, we realized that we would have to tear down the cottage and start from scratch. We were constrained by environmental regulations, a building lot that is very close to the water (and in the flood plain), and stringent building codes. Our clients wanted a house that was interesting, environmentally friendly, and good for entertaining. And, like all of us, they didn't want to spend more than they had to. Many meetings and dozens of sketches later we began to rough out a design.
Prior to getting a demolition permit it is necessary to get an asbestos test. Core samples are taking from all material that is not either wood or metal. And, guess what..., there were trace amounts of asbestos in the floor tiles and the underlayment. This required filing an Asbestos Abatement plan with the RI Department of Health and hiring a special crew to remove the asbestos. Once the asbestos was removed the demolition went quickly. Psychologically this can be tough for the owner as what was once their beloved home is reduced to rubble and carted away in a matter of hours.
 As the property is in the flood plain we had to build up the foundation so that the first floor is a minimum of 13 feet above sea level. We constructed a 2 x 10 pressure treated wall and fastened it into the existing foundation with threaded rods and hurricane clips. Next comes the timberframe. All the pieces were cut in the shop and the assembled at the site with the help of a crane and a crew of timberframers. At left is the finished frame at sunset.
The entire frame, walls and roof, is covered by structural insulated panels (SIPS). Made of extruded polystyrene that is sandwiched between OSB sheathing, SIPS create an extremely energy efficient structure with little thermal bridging and drastically reduced waste. Once the SIPS were on we installed the windows and began the roofing and siding. We had to use specially built windows with glass and frames that are designed to withstand hurricanes. The clapboards and trim are western red cedar, the sidewall shingles are pre-dipped white cedar. Stalwart carpenters Eric Little, Tim Van Wormer, Ezra Baer, Charlie Bowman, and Lee Ferretti sided the house - working through the winter to keep the project on schedule. The roof is standing seam aluminum (Everglade Moss), made on site by Bradford Standing Seam.
While the roofing and siding were being finished we began to work on the interior. Due to being in a flood plain none of the mechanical and electrical equipment can be located in the basement. Hot water and radiant floor heating will be provided by a high efficiency gas boiler that fits in a closet. For a closer look at why we chose to heat the house the way we did see the Heating / Hot Water Blog.
Back outside - we are installing a denitrification septic system. We decided to split the the components of the system to reduce the massing and allow for a more open yard. The picture is of the septic tank and filter pod. Inside - the drywall and taping are all finished and we are getting ready to paint. The use of color is something we have a lot of fun with and take very seriously. We often work with Louise Newsome of Newsome Color to choose colors that make our projects feel special. The walls are painted, Sage Green with Dove White ceilings and window trim, and the Douglas Fir beams have been oiled with a Danish finishing oil. Will Smith is doing the painting. The boxes hold Marmoleum flooring - a green product made out of linseed oil and backed with cork. The tubes snaking over the plywood subfloor are the radiant heat.
Below the flooring is done and covered with building paper to protect it while we do the interior trim, kitchen cabinets and stairs. We are very fortunate to be working with highly skilled craftsmen and quality suppliers.
The kitchen cabinets and interior trim are being done by John and Stephen Demetrick. The cabinet boxes are made out of Maple plywood and the doors and face frames will be Poplar. The cabinets will be painted and the countertop will be zinc.
Master craftsman and designer Bruce Decker is building the stairs with vertical grain Douglas Fir treads and painted Poplar risers. The stairs draw inspiration from traditional Japanese Kaidan Tansu chests and feature steped drawers built into the side facing the front door. The newel post is a section of a Silver Birch tree, the railings are Black Walnut and the candelabra is made of Hickory twigs.
The exterior decking is Garapa, a South American hardwood that is
incredibly dense and doesn't splinter or decay. The railing is built with 4 x 4 posts, a 2 x 6 top rail, and stainless steel cables run 3" on center. Below Ezra tensions the cables. 
The bathroom shower and floor are tiled with natural slate. Dave Beauregard did a wonderful job setting the stone. The shower fixtures and most of the plumbing are by Toto.
The Coastal Cottage is now complete. For pictures of the finished interior please go too Coastal Cottage Interior. 
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