For a densely forested site near the beach of Hilton Head Island, architects Stoller/Glasser and Marquis Associates developed an extraordinarily inventive scheme that puts 308 units on 20.6 acres—while leaving intact the forest atmosphere. Seemingly complex, the basic plan is quite simple: In each building, two units are stacked.

Placement of the units was done with extreme care. Field locations were made in the field after accurate tree surveys were made. The units were then staked and taped to determine exact locations and first-floor slab elevations. Final site plans were prepared after this field process. Even then, the contractor was given an unusual degree of individual judgment.

The elevated walkway (shown in site plan and section)—which gives so much to the character of Treetops—provides easy access to lower- and upper-level units alike; in turn it is reached by stairs and hydraulic elevators (it averages 13 feet above grade) where it reaches out to the perimeter parking area.

Design and construction combine to assure good acoustical privacy—so often lacking in such dense projects. First, upper-level units are turned “upside-down”: with bedrooms on level 3 and living rooms on level 4. Floors are 6-inch concrete slabs (4 inches of poured concrete over 2-inch precast slabs). Eight-inch block bearing walls between all units serve as fire walls and acoustic separations. Since all units are air-conditioned, windows and sliding doors can be shut against any outside noise. Finally, all units are designed with stairs and bathrooms to the walkway side for separation of major rooms from the walkway—and thus all bedrooms and living rooms open generously to the extraordinary forest views.

From the project, an easement leads to the nearby beach.

Architects: Stoller/Glasser and Marquis Associates—David Evan Glasser, partner-in-charge
157 East 35th Street
New York, New York

Owner: Treetops Associates

Project name: The Treetops

Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Engineers: Berkenfeld-Getz (structural)

Interior design: Phyllis Martin-Vegue
of Marquis Associates

Landscape architect: Balsley Balsley Kuhl

Lighting consultants: Jules Fisher and Paul Marantz, Inc.

Graphic design: Harper and George Inc.

Contractor: Nello L. Teer

Photographer: Alexandre Georges

UPPER FLOOR

MIDDLE FLOOR

LOWER FLOOR

UPPER FLOOR

LOWER FLOOR

All lower units are two-story, two-bedroom units opening to patios at grade level (see levels 1 and 2 on plan and section, left). Above this base, depending on market needs as the project proceeds, can be placed story-and-a-half one-bedroom units, other two-story, two-bedroom units, or (as in the plan and section) a three-story, three-bedroom unit. This mix in upper level units creates the variety design interest apparent in these photos of the first 78-unit section. Finishes are ¼-inch stucco with fine oyster shell finish, bronze-finish aluminum, rough-sawn cypress.