Photo Credit: John Cole Photography
CANAL HOUSE
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Gardner Architects LLC.
The Intracoastal Waterway spans 3,000 miles of diverse waterfront along the American coast, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on the Delmarva Peninsula, this network navigates the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal—a rich corridor where vibrant coastal communities meet sensitive natural environments, including perennial wetlands, dense woodlands, and the expansive Gordon’s Pond Wildlife Area. Situated directly on the canal across from protected wetlands, this project demonstrates how a holistic approach to house and site can positively contribute to a delicate waterfront ecosystem.
The design translates the homeowner’s vision for a "modern farmhouse" into a high-performance, climate-responsive sanctuary. The home replaces a former bungalow, repositioned on the lot to capture optimal canal views while creating a variety of sheltered outdoor spaces. A central, light-filled glazed foyer splits the home’s volume, establishing a strong visual axis toward the water that is anchored by a continuous wooden boardwalk running from the street straight through to the canal edge.
Grounded in passive sustainability, the architecture aims to significantly decrease energy demands. Key features include:
High-Performance Envelope: Advanced insulation paired with a geothermal heat pump minimizes heating and cooling costs.
Natural Ventilation: Operable windows and skylights over a gabled stairway leverage the stack effect for passive cooling.
Ecological Landscaping: A complete rejection of the traditional lawn in favor of native coastal plantings that manage stormwater runoff, boost biodiversity, and heal local habitat fragmentation.
The result is a symbiotic connection between architecture and environment on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Awards + Recognition:
2019 AIA DC Washingtonian Design Award Citation Award
Featured in the ArchitectureDC Fall 2019 Issue – Annual AIA-DC / Washingtonian Design Awards program
Featured in the Washingtonian August 2019 Issue – Annual AIA-DC / Washingtonian Design Awards program
2017 AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award - Honor Award
2016 AIA Delaware Design Award - Honor Award
AIA Potomac Valley 2016 Design Awards Silver Award
2016 Professional Builder Design Awards
Fine Homebuilding Readers' Choice Award
AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Awards 2016 - People's Choice
NKBA Baltimore/Washington Chapter - First Place, Medium Kitchen, designed in conjunction with Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath
Wetlands Idyll, Home & Design, Fall 2016 – Canal House
Project Team
Gardner Architects LLC - Architect
Robert Silman Associates - Structural Engineer
Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architects - Landscape Architecture
Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath - Kitchen designer
Beachwood Inc Custom Builders - General Contractor
John Cole Photography - Photography
