A small run-down cottage with one of the last remaining cesspool sewage systems on the island occupied the site. The land would have been considered undevelopable by current zoning standards due to proximity to wetlands, non-conforming setbacks, and small lot size, except that the pre-existing structure allowed for the current footprint of the non-conforming structure to remain. A modest two-story summer house was shaped from these tight zoning re-straints.

A large double height living area with high clerestory windows providing privacy from the street was positioned at the front of the property where the building height was limited to a single story. The building height increases to two stories at the rear for the portion of the pre-existing footprint that was behind the front yard setback. An open kitchen and dining area offer views through the house to the rear yard. Two bedrooms and a bathroom are located on the upper floor.

Window, door, and skylight openings are carefully arranged for the views and access to the site. Horizontal and vertical Alaska yellow cedar ship-lapped siding puzzle-fit around the dark painted paneling and window openings. On the interior, a large opening between the lower and upper levels allows for the entire breadth of the house to be taken in from the living area.