Limestone, mahogany and brick clad a home by Winchester Construction on the Magothy River. © Katie Martin
What measures and materials protect a waterfront home from the elements?
Creating an impenetrable building envelope is paramount, especially along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The structure should be wrapped in a complete air-, vapor- and water-barrier system. Managing rainwater and air infiltration through proper flashings, quality gutters and downspouts and rain screen details enable a house to shed water as well as to “breathe” and dry. Durability can be achieved through the use and proper installation of natural materials such as wood, stone, copper, and clay. These long-lasting materials naturally withstand the elements and, when installed with properly executed details, will limit costly maintenance and extend the life of a home. When these materials are used to create high-quality windows, exterior doors, siding, and roofing, then integrated into an advanced weather-barrier system, the result will be a long-lasting, durable home. —Michael Campbell, Winchester Construction, Millersville, Maryland
Architecture: Good Architecture, Annapolis, Maryland. Landscape Design: Moody Graham Landscape Architecture, Washington, DC.