COURT ATKINS GROUP: SHAPING DREAMS

HGTV Dream Home

Design and construction of the HGTV Dream Home unfolded over the past year along stunning marsh and water views in Windmill Harbour. At the helm of the architectural design for the iconic lowcountry retreat was Court Atkins Group. The “dream team” included Partner William Court, Project Architect Preston Bussard, Project Manager Derek Morphew and Project Designer, Ashley Huffman.

William Court shared some of the team’s key insights and goals in determining the orientation of the home and creating its open floor plan.

“Because the home site is located alongside some of the most breathtaking marsh and water views on Hilton Head, the outdoor living spaces immediately became a top priority,” he said. The design evolved into two levels of rear porches with dramatic southwestern sunset views that lead out to a series of marsh front terraces wrapping around the pool.” 

Court pointed out some of the unique features of the home including the hub for the future owners’ daily lifestyle. “One of our favorites spots is the garden entrance.  Think of this as a welcoming owner’s entrance with all of the features of a mud room, laundry, potting shed, craft area, and a spot for the dogs too!”

Were there any challenges involved in steering the architectural design for HGTV’s 24^th annual Dream Home? Court said yes, though he and team were happy to rise to the occasion. “Our team was tasked with fast-tracking a unique design that would take advantage of the natural beauty of the site, fit within the design standards of the community, and showcase some of the newest trends in home construction.  The result still needed to feel both southern and casually elegant.” 

Court added that many aspects of the HGTV Dream Home set it apart from other island residences, “It embraces the lowcountry lifestyle of Hilton Head and has a true connection to the outdoors.” The fabulous outdoor amenities include swimming pool/hot tub, sweeping terraces, porches, deck and endless vista views. Additionally, the abundance of tall windows and transoms bring the outdoors inside with a brightness that transcends even the grayest days on the island.

When asked what it was like to be part of the HGTV Dream Home evolution, the design team agreed the experience was extremely positive and memorable. “It was truly a privilege for our team to participate in the process of designing, collaborating and partnering with the entire HGTV Dream Home team,” Court said.  “It was a 24/7 process at times.  Everyone involved with the HGTV Dream Home helped to make it seamless. Of course we were proud to partner with our colleagues at Shoreline Construction, who put our plans into motion.

Project Architect Preston Bussard added, “Many of us watch various programs on the HGTV network and realize how important show homes are to the general public. They really can affect how residential design is pushed forward in style and function, so having a small part on a terrific global team was truly gratifying.”

As for any comments to the new owners of the HGTV Dream Home, the Court Atkins Group Team offered this wish. “We simply hope the new owners will enjoy spending quality time with their families and friends in this gracious lowcountry home.

HGTV DREAM HOME HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE:

• Home dimensions – 3,514 square feet heated/cooled space and 2,060 square feet unconditioned space…total 5,574 square feet
• Home design is authentic lowcountry-style, featuring two stories, three porches, large garage, terraces and pool (interior details in summary above)
• Located on waterfront marshland home site with sweeping views enhanced at high tide
• Open floor plan concept allows seamless flow and large windows plus transoms to capture marsh views throughout home
• Orientation of home allows intimacy as well as views of spectacular evening sunset from rear
• Large screened porch spans rear with access via master suite and living areas
• Multiple live oak trees on property were spared in construction of home