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BALA Room of the Year — A Boat Builder’s Refuge
Potts Residence, Daniel Island, S.C.
Architect:
Stephen Herlong & Associates Architects
Builder:
Philip Smith General Contractors
The 2007 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) Room of the Year is literally a Boat Builder’s Refuge ― a sumptuous billiard room in the Potts residence in Daniel Island, S.C.
Named the “Best Detail in a Semi-Custom or Custom Home,” the room was inspired by the home owner’s desire to maximize his views of a river and marsh from the second floor of his home.
And because he is the founder of a successful boat manufacturing company, he wanted to incorporate marine motifs and materials into the crafting of the room.
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A marine motif and materials |
The room’s defining feature is its ceiling, which is shaped like a boat hull that rises from 9 feet to 12 feet at its highest point and is detailed with ash, teak and mahogany. Dropped, articulated center panels of ash and mahogany run the length of the arc and hide indirect lighting and HVAC systems, keeping the ceiling unobstructed.
The wood-burning fireplace, mantel and built-in cabinetry at one end of the room have mahogany details. All interior trim was carefully integrated to create an elegant, yet casual, atmosphere. The warm teak and holly floor is also reminiscent of a finely detailed watercraft.
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An elegant, yet casual, atmosphere |
The woodwork on the floor and ceiling was complicated to execute, says architect Stephen Herlong, of Stephen Herlong & Associates.
“We consulted the interior designer about wood-grain patterns and other issues, and the builder, Philip Smith of Philip Smith General Contractors, found local craftsmen to do the installation. It took a lot of extra time,” Herlong said.
The room is 44 feet by 25 feet and was a challenge to design for other purposes besides billiards, the architect said.
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The Potts residence | Lighting was used to subtly divide the space into different areas — billiards, a conversation area by the fireplace and a walk out to the second-floor deck for a closer view of the Low Country surroundings.
For more information on the 2007 BALA winning entries, visit the Professional Builder Web site at www.probuilder.com/BALA.
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Looking into the retreat |
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The Potts residence, rear |
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Part of the conversation area |
Photos by Warren Lieb Photography
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