Beach House Uplift

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A Bright New Chapter on Fripp Island

After decades of joyful summers, this 1970s beach house on Fripp Island needed more than just a refresh. The owners, newly married and blending families, wanted to preserve the spirit of a place filled with memories, while creating a brighter, more functional home for the next generation. Their goal: a resilient, welcoming retreat where their growing family could gather, reconnect, and build new traditions.

Featured in our upcoming book Contemporary Southern Vernacular: Creating Sustainable Houses for Hot, Humid Climates

• Details

  Contractor
  A&D Homebuilders

  Location
  Fripp Island, SC

  Style
  Traditional

  Photographer
  John McManus

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Raised to Endure

Located in a flood-prone area, the original home was situated too low to meet today’s safety standards. One of the most critical—and dramatic—parts of the renovation was lifting the entire house. By raising the structure above base flood elevation, we significantly improved its resilience, ensuring it can withstand coastal storms while meeting modern codes. This project is featured as a case study in our book for its focus on resiliency and smart, sustainable adaptation.

Before

After

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Designed for a Growing Family

The existing structure had good bones, but its low elevation, outdated layout, and dark interiors no longer served the family’s needs. We began by lifting the entire house above base flood elevation, an ambitious but essential move that brought the home into compliance with current codes and dramatically improved its storm resilience.

Inside, we reimagined the floor plan to support a more contemporary lifestyle. The former garage became a spacious new primary suite, while the original master bedroom was converted into guest space. Throughout, we opened up the interiors to introduce natural light, improve circulation, and create visual connections to the coastal landscape. The transformation preserved the house’s essence while making it feel fresh, open, and distinctly modern.

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A Fresh Start

The renovation went far beyond aesthetics. With new HVAC systems, spray foam insulation, and updated materials, the home is now significantly more energy-efficient and better suited to the island’s hot, humid climate. Durable finishes and impact-rated windows contribute to long-term performance, while thoughtful detailing ensures the house will remain low-maintenance and storm-ready for years to come.

This project is featured in our book as a case study in adaptive reuse and coastal resiliency, a testament to how thoughtful renovation can extend the life of a beloved home, reconnecting it with the landscape and preparing it for the future.