Ocean Forest Residences

Nestled on the northern end of Sea Island, Ocean Forest Residences represent a new chapter in coastal living. This exclusive, six-unit residential project, designed by the renowned firm Hart Howerton, offers an unparalleled opportunity to live on the Island among it’s breathtaking natural landscape. With its thoughtful design, luxurious amenities, and a deep connection to the surrounding environment, the Ocean Forest Residences promise a unique lifestyle that comes with ease and elegance.

LIVING IN NATURE

At the heart of Ocean Forest Residences is a nature-forward design that takes full advantage of the breathtaking views and lush surroundings of Sea Island. Tim McCarthy, Partner and Managing Principal for Hart Howerton, notes, “Our goal was to create residences that are in harmony with the natural environment. Every element, from the orientation of the building to the selection of materials, was chosen to enhance the connection to the outdoors.”

One of the first things Hart Howerton did for the project was to produce a detailed tree survey for the land. “This survey informed the design of the Residences,” explains McCarthy, “ensuring that the building would harmonize with the sweeping tree limbs and far-reaching canopies.” The result is a structure that not only preserves the site’s two beautiful live oaks but also incorporates them into the overall design.

The landscaping around the Ocean Forest Residences plays a crucial role in enhancing the nature-forward ethos of the project. Native plants and trees have been carefully selected to complement the existing ecosystem, providing a sense of continuity with the surrounding environment.

“We wanted the landscaping to feel organic, as if it had always been there,” says Yates Anderson, Vice President of Development and Services at Sea Island. “The design prioritizes preservation and enhancement of the natural landscape, ensuring that the development feels like a seamless extension of the island’s natural beauty.”

This thoughtful approach extends to the overall building itself. McCarthy notes that the design team stepped back its massing in all directions, breaking down the scale of the building with terraces that provide each residence with a generously proportioned indoor-outdoor living relationship while reducing the overall scale of the building through a carefully selected hierarchy of materials.

“There’s a tradition in architecture that’s rooted in this notion of tectonics,” says McCarthy, referring to the intuitive understanding that different materials have different inherent structural capabilities. This concept is reflected in the building’s use of materials, with heavier stone at the base, stucco in the middle and lighter wood at the uppermost levels. This hierarchy not only reinforces the building’s structural integrity but also adds to its aesthetic appeal.

The interiors of the residences continue this theme of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The finishes are a delicate balance of light and bright choices, with a palette that evokes the coastal environment and custom windows that frame sweeping views of the ocean, ensuring that nature is always within sight.

“Owners of an Ocean Forest Residences unit will experience the epitome of coastal elegance,” says Patrick Dunn, Sales Associate at Sea Island Properties, “where the serene beauty of Sea Island meets architectural artistry.”

A TWIST ON TRADITION

The design of Ocean Forest Residences, as Dunn references, also pays a deep respect to the architectural heritage of Sea Island. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of this connection, noting that “There’s a clearly established architectural tradition here that dates back nearly 100 years, to when Addison Mizner was invited to design the original Cloister.” The architectural style that emerged, characterized by its Mediterranean influences, white stucco exteriors and red barrel-tiled roofs, has since become synonymous with Sea Island.

McCarthy views the Ocean Forest Residences as a “logical next step” of this tradition, extending the architectural narrative from the south end of the island to the north. While the design of the residences honors the past while embracing the present, it also incorporates modern technologies and conveniences that enhance the living experience.

“At this level in the market, buyers expect state-of-the-art technology, such as Lutron controls for the automation of lighting or window shading, throughout the home,” McCarthy says. Ocean Forest Residences includes that and even goes a touch further, offering a window glass selection that manages the glare off the ocean in the morning and radiant floor heating in the bathrooms for those rare chilly evenings.

Ocean Forest Residences also offer convenience in the way of a “lock and leave” lifestyle, perfect for those who value both luxury and peace of mind. The residences are designed for security and ease, allowing homeowners to travel without worry. On-site management and maintenance services ensure that the property remains secure and well maintained, even when residents are away.

However, one of the most important aspects that McCarthy and his team considered was the residences’ suitability for multi-generational living. Each unit is designed to accommodate extended families, with ample space for hosting gatherings and creating memories. “You and your entire extended family can live your day at and around Ocean Forest Residences,” says McCarthy, highlighting the proximity of the building to golf courses, the beach, dining, and more. “We wanted the living experience to be more than just aesthetic—it’s a lifestyle.”