This blog is a collection of musings on our on-going research, design, inspiration, books and travel. As only Es Devlin can articulate, “The piece that one makes is the tip of the iceberg of the research that went into it. Allow your research to take you as far as you want; allow one thought to lead to another. Don’t be afraid to go down a rabbit hole of research. Find the patterns.” This is not to claim we are experts on anything included in the following entries, rather life-long learners enjoying the process.
Rush Dixon Architects’ design for a custom home on the Stono River in Charleston was featured in the October 2023 issue of Charleston Magazine.
Our design for a modern home on the Stono River was featured in the October issue of Charleston Magazine. Thank you to Jennifer Pattison Touhy for the unique storytelling.
“A minimalist, modern home on the banks of the Stono River marries the beauty of the Lowcountry with stylish practicality for one couple’s golden years.” Jennifer Pattison Touhy, Charleston Magazine
Click here for the full article.
View of Dayfield Park A from Brighton Park Boulevard and main office park entrance with Dayfield Park B in the distance
Dayfield Park is a soon-to-be, modern day office park and commercial destination in the award-winning Nexton Community, in Summerville, SC. The design approach for these two commercial buildings is rooted in strong massing, innovative detailing and creating an inspiring place to work and do business. The development will ultimately include multiple buildings by several local architects (like our friends at Bello Garris) creating a varied interpretation linked by the same departure points: relevant and marketable commercial spaces, innovative yet locally inspired architecture and connecting the buildings with the thoughtful site design focusing on outdoor gathering areas for patrons and workers.
The project was subject to the Nexton community design guidelines which prioritize the following:
Architecture, land planning and landscape drawn from local and regional traditions but look to the future regarding specific design.
A commitment to sustainable design focused on protecting what we are here to enjoy and the creation of an overall healthier living environment.
Architecture - purposeful building designs that incorporate new and innovative building materials, systems, technologies and architectural expressions.
Use materials in innovative and unexpected ways.
Use clean, simple shapes in both massing and details.
Emphasize the relationship and flow between indoor and outdoor environments.
View of Dayfield Park B from the central gathering space
So what is a modern interpretation of a suburban office park? Today’s workforce wants to be connected to multiple uses, amenities, food + beverage options and outdoor space. Outdoor space can be passive, specific or flexible for all ages, uses and times of day; this also provides the ownership with an amenity to use for special events if desired. The blending of inside and outside is a strategy to allow patrons and workers to feel connected to the outdoor environs. Sidewalks and bike parking are important to offset the needed parking and vehicular pathways. During our research we found this interesting article from the New York TImes “The Suburban Office Park, an Aging Relic, Seeks a Comeback” which speaks to some lessons developers and designers could learn from the past. (The 80s might have been great for some things but not urban planning.)
View of Dayfield Park A from office park interior
The architecture for the buildings cosigns a minimalist approach with materials familiar to the area. Exterior materials include a modified board and batten wall system with varied batten spacing, cypress wood accents for warmth and standing seam metal roof panels for durability on the high slope areas. Angling the walls at the building’s entrances create a dynamic experience and covered areas. Special thanks to our clients for allowing us to be a part of this endeavor and the design team members we collaborated with:
Site Design: Seamon Whiteside
Structural Engineering: ADC Engineering
Mech, Elec, Plumbing Engineering: Charleston Engineering
Branding: Obviouslee
View of Dayfield Park B from the central gathering space
South Carolina’s premier fertility center, Coastal Fertility Specialists, has opened their newest facility in the Nexton neighborhood to better serve patients in the Summerville area. As experienced experts with high pregnancy rates and national patient satisfaction awards, Coastal Fertility Specialists wanted a forward-thinking, modern design to align with their practice. This was achieved with the use of edited forms, clean lines, and a material palette including Nichiha siding, steel, glass and brick.
Construction: Harbor Contracting
Photos: Chris Smith
