project detail
Meridian House
Project Overview
Project Name: Meridian House
Client Background: A family of four wanted strong outdoor connection despite a tight urban site.
Objective: Layer private outdoor space across every floor using greenery and balconies.
Scope
Design a three-story stacked volume with cantilevered balconies
Integrate planters directly into balcony edges
Design a glass storefront-style ground-floor entrance
Key Details
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Total Built-Up Area: 1,800 sq. ft.
Number of Floors: 3
Special Features: Layered balconies, integrated planters, glass entry facade
Completed: 2025
Design Approach and Execution
Concept and Vision
Design Philosophy: Every floor deserves its own outdoor connection.
Key Features: Stacked massing, greenery-integrated balconies, offset floor plates for privacy.
Inspirations: Vertical urban housing from dense European cities.
Execution
Phase 1: Site Study
Studied the lot to determine an efficient stacked massing
Mapped sun paths to position balconies for maximum use
Phase 2: Architectural Design
Offset each balcony level to reduce overlooking
Integrated planter boxes into balcony edges
Phase 3: Facade Development
Chose a textured concrete finish to balance the building's mass
Designed a transparent glass entry facade
Phase 4: Construction
Coordinated cantilever loads with structural engineers
Selected drought-tolerant balcony plantings
Results and Acknowledgments
Outcome
Space Efficiency: Maximized outdoor living on a compact footprint.
Greenery Integration: Softened the building's concrete presence.
Privacy: Offset balconies reduced overlooking between floors.
Credits
Lead Architect: Strataa Studio
Structural Engineer: Lowcountry Structural Group
Landscape Consultant: Coastal Greenscapes
