Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig has completed the Shearwater Residence, an innovative 1,680-square-foot home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, designed to withstand the powerful storms that frequently strike the Gulf Coast region. The residence, which serves as the primary home for a young family, stands dramatically elevated 23 feet above ground level on steel piers, offering both storm protection and stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and bayou.
The striking home features a distinctive rusted steel exterior that has been specially pre-treated to resist the harsh, humid, and salty coastal environment. This weathered steel cladding creates a bold visual contrast against the lush green landscape and blue waters of the Gulf Coast. The elevation strategy places the home at the height of surrounding trees, effectively lifting it above the flat terrain while providing natural integration with the tree canopy.
Access to the main living level is provided through a dramatic black steel staircase that leads to a catwalk extending in two directions – one toward the tree canopy and another toward the front entrance. Below the main structure, raised storage compartments are strategically positioned to protect belongings from potential flooding while remaining accessible to residents. The steel pier foundation system notably excludes cross bracing to meet specific storm surge requirements, with all steel elements coated in high-performance protective finishes.
The interior layout maximizes the compact footprint through thoughtful design, featuring a central north-south axis that optimizes natural light and ventilation. The southern end houses an open-concept kitchen and living area that provides expansive views of the adjacent wetland and horizon beyond. A custom walnut butcher-block island serves dual purposes as both a food preparation area and dining table, anchoring the kitchen space with warm, natural materials.
The home's screened-in porch represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Southern architecture, cantilevering over the landscape to promote passive ventilation throughout the interior spaces. This covered outdoor area extends the living space while providing protection from insects and weather. Inside the foyer, a custom wood bench offers a warm contrast to the cool concrete floors, establishing the material palette that balances durability with comfort throughout the home.
The primary suite extends toward the east to capture views of both the trees and bayou, featuring a spacious bathroom tiled throughout to accommodate both a shower and bathtub. At the home's northern end, a large children's playroom incorporates a roof kicker – an elevated roof section with operable windows designed to draw air into and through the home, enhancing natural ventilation and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
Completed in 2022 for clients Joel and Jill Kavanaugh, the project sits on a 0.918-acre site and represents a comprehensive approach to resilient coastal living. The project team was led by principal Tom Kundig, with Steve Grim serving as project manager and Jake Schell as project architect. Additional team members included Max Foley, Ekram Hassen, and Justin Dennis as architectural staff, Amanda Chenoweth as interior design lead, Phil Turner for technical design, and Vikram Sami as building performance lead.
The construction utilized high-performance materials throughout, including Zanher weathering steel panels that were pre-weathered off-site away from the salt environment, hot-dip galvanized steel bar grating for porch flooring, and standing seam metal roofing. Windows and doors were supplied by Fleetwood, with custom doors created by Olson Kundig using hot-dip galvanized bar grate materials. Interior finishes include custom Olson Kundig casework, Caesarstone countertops, ceramic tile, and concrete flooring, all selected for their durability in the coastal environment while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
