Mantoloking, NJ Outdoor Refresh

Nestled along a canal in the borough of Mantoloking, New Jersey, this waterfront property harbored incredible entertaining potential, but its existing condition fell short. The homeowners desired a property where they could spend weekends and summers entertaining friends and family on the property, wishing for a dynamic, multifunctional outdoor space that would allow them to fully embrace coastal living. With ambitious plans for a full outdoor kitchen and living space, they entrusted PJCArchitecture, who had previously renovated their Brooklyn home, to transform this outdoor space.

The design team eagerly accepted the challenge, presenting a modern and thoughtful outdoor retreat that honors the property's waterfront allure and ties to the local vernacular architectural vocabulary. The owners emphasized creating a low-maintenance, private space where they could entertain, unwind, and connect with their guests.

PJCArchitecture took an existing shed that housed storage space and pool mechanical equipment and used that as a starting point to develop the concept for the design. It was a one-story rectangular structure that created a natural dividing line between the front yard and rear yard of the property. It was situated directly in front of the existing pool and offered the perfect bones for the basis of the new design. By preserving and redesigning the shed rather than demolishing it, PJCArchitecture made a conscious, sustainable choice, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The team navigated around the existing shed and irregularly shaped pool, positioning two new covered pavilions oriented toward the canal beyond. The first pavilion was built over the shed and houses an outdoor kitchen, bar, and dining area, equipment storage, a changing room, an outdoor shower, a pantry, and a recessed pizza oven. It consists of a large sloping roof, which covers the existing shed, as well as all the new spaces within the pavilion. A series of hidden doors were added around the perimeter of the shed walls to allow easy access to the equipment and storage located within the structure. The second pavilion features a seating area with a wood-burning fireplace, a media center, retractable insect screens, and connects to a new in-ground spa. Both open structures are separated by a small rock garden and are connected by a stone pathway and thoughtful plantings. They are situated on elevated decking to raise them above the ground.

In keeping with the beach town vernacular, PJCArchitecture curated a material palette of composite decking, white shiplap siding, and IPE screens and fencing. The IPE slotted screening incorporated into the design helps provide privacy, while still allowing for cool breezes to pass through the site. The screens also serve as an integral and important design element that works in conjunction with natural and artificial lighting. These screens together with light create shadows that change form and direction based on the time of day and the amount of light shining on and through them. They create a beautiful ever-changing visual texture throughout the site. Both structures also incorporate highly durable materials such as granite, quartzite, and porcelain tiling, ensuring the built forms remain resilient against the elements. The ample coverage of the roofs contributes to energy efficiency by reducing energy buildup. Additionally, the roofs provide essential protection for outdoor features against harsh weather while offering comfortable shade and shelter to the user during peak times. The design, in conjunction with the screens allowing natural breeze to flow through the structures, ensures a comfortable environment that guests can enjoy even on the hottest, sunniest days.

PJCArchitecture collaborated with the landscaping designer, Christine Dands Greany, at Summerfield Designs, to balance hard and soft ground surfaces, creating a space for leisure activities from ping pong to lounging and gardening. Stone and gravel, selected over grass and heat-retaining blacktop, improve water runoff in the shore setting.

To further enhance privacy, large holly trees and native shrubs create a natural barrier from the street and neighboring homes. Outdoor lighting is carefully oriented around key entertaining areas to remain respectful of wildlife and neighbors while optimizing the use of the space after nightfall.

The transformed outdoor lot fulfills the homeowners’ needs for a versatile space that seamlessly integrates modern practicality with the innate beauty of its waterfront setting. Through thoughtful configuration and material selection, PJCArchitecture exceeded the homeowners’ vision with a true extension of the interior that balances functionality, privacy, and low-maintenance aesthetics, allowing them to efficiently host guests for years to come.