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Palmetto Bluff

architecture

Palmetto Bluff draws upon the architectural and landscape traditions that shaped the Lowcountry region.

We build on this tradition to develop contemporary interpretations and details that incorporate sustainable concepts. This tradition is the result of a variety of cultural influences (English, French and German) that are well suited to the area with regard to climate and the use of local materials.

The Lowcountry style is generally characterized as having the following main elements and design philosophies.

Southern Architecture

Relaxed and informal living

The earliest settlers were mainly English and French, and they brought with them an architectural language that was more rectangular and formal. These designs were assimilated into the coastal climate of the Carolinas. The use of columns and symmetrical layouts were then relaxed with deep porches for shade and raised foundations to capture coastal breezes.

Utilize the Environment

Taking advantage of the coastal setting and climate

The influence of early settlers can be seen in the incorporation of wraparound verandas, porches and raised foundations to ameliorate the climate impact and take advantage of breezes and the sun, including orienting houses to maximize the coastal views.

Historical Designs

A collection of homes that evolved over time

As families grew and priorities shifted, many Lowcountry dwellers began to add secondary structures, such as cottages and garages, to their homes. Residences evolved into collections of informal, detached structures, rather than one dominant building. This evolution preserved the region's rural nature and brings a comfortable scale to Lowcountry communities.

The importance of

The Design Review Board

The purpose of the Palmetto Bluff Design Review Board (DRB) is to protect and enhance the natural surroundings while weaving in the built environment to create a cohesive and regionally authentic settlement. The DRB’s responsibility is to uphold, enforce and maintain the Palmetto Bluff Design and Construction Guidelines.

To achieve the best quality outcome, the DRB requires professional design submissions regardless of the project’s size. By requiring South Carolina-registered architects and landscape architects for every submission, the DRB is better able to control consistency of the community aesthetic and maintain the high design standard found throughout the Bluff.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES

Explore life at Palmetto Bluff.

At Palmetto Bluff, we believe home is more than a place. It is a portal to the memories that matter, the magnetic pull of something familiar, the protector of a life well lived. From close-knit cottages to the privacy of quiet paths cloaked in live oaks, there is a home for you here. Our real estate offerings are as diverse as the land itself. Those who value or need privacy often gravitate to our country neighborhoods, while others are drawn to the vibrancy and community afforded by our town neighborhoods. Find your way home.

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Architecture & Design / Building On A Legacy

Everyone talks about the drive into Palmetto Bluff, the miles of shady pavement, the dense maritime canopy, crossing over the headwaters of the May River, and the alligator forever sunning at the causeway. It’s an iconic section of road. People say their shoul...

Mar 2024
palmetto bluff builders

Architecture & Design / The Palmetto Bluff Builders Design Process

Behind the Design with Jason Kimes & Leighann Markalunas In the heart of the Lowcountry, where the gentle sway of Spanish moss-laden trees meets the tranquil embrace of the coast, lies a unique community: Palmetto Bluff. Their approach to home design capt...

Sep 2023
luxury kitchen design

Architecture & Design / Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...

Sep 2023
summer home decor

Architecture & Design / How to Decorate Your Coastal Home for Summer

A 5-Step Guide to Add Subtle Summer Home Decor As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer beckons us to bask in its warm embrace. And what better way to celebrate this blissful season than by infusing your coastal home with vibrant summer hom...

Jul 2023

Architecture & Design / Not a Project, But a Place

In developing the Palmetto Bluff vernacular, a new vision emerged that drew a line in the sand between perfect and real. By Barry Kaufman   One of the greatest minds the South has ever produced posed a question 130 or so years ago that, in all th...

Jun 2023

Architecture & Design / Behind the Bluff with the Director of Palmetto Bluff Design: Stephanie Gentemann

An Inside Look at Palmetto Bluff Design Tucked away in the stunning Lowcountry of South Carolina lies Palmetto Bluff, a community that has enchanted both locals and travelers for years. Spread across a sprawling 20,000 acres of land and boasting 32 miles of p...

Jun 2023

Architecture & Design / How to Design the Perfect Back Porch for Summer

Unveiling the Secrets to a Luxurious Back Porch Design: 9 Key Elements As the temperature rises and the days get longer, your back porch becomes a gathering place for family and friends to enjoy the warmth and beauty of summer. The perfect back porch design c...

May 2023

Architecture & Design / Behind the Design: Carrying Color Throughout the Home

Any good designer will tell you that a neutral palette is a great backdrop to create a well-curated interior. In fact, an amazing way to add a stylish cohesiveness throughout your home is by using neutral decor. However, there’s been a significant shift away f...

Dec 2022

Architecture & Design / Holiday Decor Spotlight: How to Upscale your Home for the Holidays

5 Ways to Style Luxury Holiday Decor in Your Home ‘Tis the season! Christmas is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to welcome the yuletide season by decorating your home. The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, and your home should r...

Dec 2022

Architecture & Design / How to Decorate Your Coastal Home for the Holidays

5 Ways to Adorn Your Home with Coastal Holiday Decor The holiday season is upon us, and most everyone looks forward to transforming their home into their own winter wonderland. If you’re looking to decorate your home for the holidays, you might feel restr...

Nov 2022

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