Robert Mills Residential Award > Residential Renovation or Addition over $500,000
Davis Pond Renovation
Sheldon, SC
For this renovation project, the owners envisioned a serene retreat for their extended family, embracing the site's privacy and natural beauty. To enhance flow, previously disconnected buildings were seamlessly linked, while new outdoor living spaces maximize the stunning pond views. A full renovation introduced sleek, contemporary finishes throughout, transforming the home into a modern sanctuary. The existing fireplace, now wrapped in steel, serves as a striking focal point, adding a dramatic touch to the refreshed design.
Brays Island, envisioned by renowned landscape architect Robert Marvin was designed to foster an immersive connection with nature. With circular one-acre lots ensuring privacy and much of the island preserved as communal land, the development prioritizes harmony between architecture and the surrounding environment.

Originally constructed in 1991, the house at Davis Pond was built for a young family. When they relocated for better school access, an avid hunter acquired the property, commissioning an extensive renovation that included an octagonal, two-story addition topped with clerestory windows and a cupola to house a gun collection. The site evolved to include the main house, a garage, a guest house, and the distinctive octagonal structure.

The current owners sought to transform the home into a welcoming retreat for their extended family, drawn more by Brays Island’s privacy and natural beauty than its hunting opportunities. Their renovation focused on enhancing gathering spaces while enhancing the home’s connection to the site. The former arsenal was reimagined as a home theater and game room, complete with a climbing wall and a playhouse for grandchildren. Connections between previously separated buildings were introduced, improving circulation and functionality. Expansive outdoor spaces were added to maximize views of the pond, along with a well-appointed kitchen terrace for outdoor dining.

Materiality played a key role in the renovation. The octagonal addition’s new steel cladding now echoes the fireplace’s dramatic steel surround, creating a cohesive design language. Custom steel handrails were designed, fabricated, and installed, further modernizing the home’s aesthetic. Sleek, contemporary finishes throughout balance sophistication with comfort.

While embracing modernity, the renovation thoughtfully incorporates elements of Lowcountry vernacular architecture. A newly constructed guest house follows the form of the historic Freedman’s cottage, maintaining a connection to the region’s architectural heritage. The playhouse within the game room takes inspiration from a traditional winnowing shed, complete with cypress shake walls and roofing, reinforcing a sense of place.

Sustainability was a guiding principle in the renovation. Repurposing materials minimized waste, with salvaged porch ceiling boards and decking repurposed for the hall walls and dock. Energy efficiency was significantly improved with new LED lighting, high-performance insulation, and an upgraded HVAC system. The crawl space and attic were enclosed and conditioned to enhance climate control, while all plumbing fixtures were replaced with EPA WaterSense-certified low-flow options to reduce water consumption.

Through careful planning and thoughtful design, this renovation honors the home’s past while adapting it for modern family life. The result is a timeless retreat that celebrates both contemporary craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of Brays Island.

The Brays Island residence renovation exemplifies the AIA Framework for Design Excellence through its seamless integration of nature, community, and sustainability. This project respects the island’s distinct character while adapting the home for modern use, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship, thoughtful materiality, and architectural continuity.

Design for Integration

Brays Island’s planning philosophy prioritizes harmony between architecture and nature. This project enhances that vision by respecting the original design while transforming the home into a multi-generational retreat. The renovation strengthens connections between previously fragmented structures, improving circulation and functionality. Thoughtful modifications ensure the home aligns with the evolving needs of its occupants while maintaining its architectural integrity.

Design for Equitable Communities

By preserving Brays Island’s unique one-acre circular lots and extensive communal land, the development fosters a sense of collective stewardship. The renovation honors this ethos by enhancing shared spaces, both indoors and outdoors, for family engagement. The adaptive reuse of the arsenal into a home theater and play area underscores the home’s inclusive approach, ensuring that all generations can enjoy the space.

Design for Ecosystems

The renovation upholds Brays Island’s environmental values by maintaining the site’s natural beauty and minimizing disturbance to the landscape. The addition of expansive outdoor living areas reinforces the connection to nature, offering uninterrupted views of Davis Pond. Native materials and regional architectural influences, such as the Freedman’s cottage-inspired guest house and the winnowing shed playhouse, further integrate the home into its Lowcountry setting.

Design for Water

Water conservation was a key consideration in this renovation. By replacing all plumbing fixtures with EPA WaterSense-certified low-flow alternatives, the project significantly reduces water consumption. Additionally, site planning preserves natural drainage patterns, ensuring that the home’s impact on the local watershed remains minimal.

Design for Energy

Energy efficiency was greatly improved through strategic upgrades. The introduction of high-performance insulation, LED lighting, and an upgraded HVAC system optimizes energy use while enhancing occupant comfort. Enclosing and conditioning the crawl space and attic further enhances climate control, reducing energy waste and ensuring long-term efficiency.

Design for Resources

A commitment to sustainable material use is evident throughout the renovation. Salvaged materials, such as repurposed porch ceiling boards and decking, were integrated into the hall walls and dock, minimizing construction waste. The steel cladding of the octagonal addition, paired with custom steel handrails and a dramatic steel fireplace surround, establishes a cohesive and durable design language.

Design for Change

This renovation embraces adaptability by transforming a once hunting-focused estate into a welcoming family retreat. Spaces originally intended for a single function have been repurposed to meet evolving needs, ensuring the home remains relevant for future generations. The flexible design allows for continued evolution without sacrificing architectural integrity.

Design for Discovery

Brays Island’s architectural narrative is enriched by the home’s thoughtful updates, which celebrate both contemporary craftsmanship and regional vernacular influences. The reinterpretation of traditional Lowcountry forms, combined with sleek modern finishes, creates a dialogue between past and present. This blending of history and innovation fosters a deeper appreciation for both the home and its surrounding landscape.

Conclusion

This project embodies the principles of design excellence by balancing preservation with innovation. Through its commitment to sustainability, adaptability, and architectural integrity, the Brays Island residence stands as a model for responsible, context-sensitive design. By enhancing both the home and its connection to nature, the renovation ensures that this retreat remains a cherished sanctuary for generations to come.