Palmetto Bluff Dogtrot

A white house with a garage and trees.
 

 
 

Cooling Breezes and Spectacular Views

A truly southern-style dogtrot home with a modern take, designed to optimize natural cooling and heating while delivering expansive views, connecting the residents to their wooded surroundings.

2010 AIA South Carolina Merit Award

Featured in Southern Living Magazine, 2011

  • Awards
    2010 AIA South Carolina Robert Mills
    Residential Design Merit Award

    Publications
    Southern Living Magazine, January 2023
    Southern Living, Hot to Trot, October 2011

    Contractor
    Bay 10 Ventures

    Location
    Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton SC

    Style
    Contemporary Vernacular

 
 
 
 

Historic Vernacular

The Dogtrot, a southern housing vernacular form, was created to take advantage of the increased wind at building corners. The roofed center section took advantage of the four outside corners which funneled cooling breezes to sweltering pre-air-conditioned southerners.

 
 
 
A white house surrounded by trees in a wooded area.
 
 

Weatherable Options

This modern interpretation allows the center dogtrot space to be opened up during good weather and air‐conditioned when too cold or hot. Connection to the land and vernacular form engage these modern inhabitants to the rich architectural heritage of the South.

 
 
 
 
 

Connecting Views

The owners have the ability to close and condition the dogtrot space in the cold or extreme heat: they also have hidden screens which are necessary to keep away the insects. Folding doors at both sides and an insulated sidewall give the opportunity to open and close the house to adapt to and enjoy the beautiful site year round.

 
 
 
A man is walking her dog on the porch of a white house.
 

From the client…

“Jane and Michael were a delight to work with. They designed our house here at Palmetto Bluff 7 years ago, and have now designed a second carriage house with apartment above for our property. Everyone is constantly impressed by the quality of the design and by the lovely touches that make the house so special. Michael and Jane are wonderful professionals, but they are also fun and interesting people who make the sometimes (sometimes!?) stressful process of house building a pleasure. Could not recommend more highly.”

 
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