Cuttyhunk Island Private Residence Deck

Nestled on one of the Elizabeth Islands—the remote, tranquil Cuttyhunk Island in Massachusetts—this private residence deck is designed as an immersive vantage point to fully embrace the island’s unique landscape, rich history, and coastal serenity.

Project Partners

No public partners for this project.

Used in this project

Black Locust Decking

Project Details

• Project Name: Cuttyhunk Island Private Residence Deck
• Location: Cuttyhunk Island, Gosnold, Massachusetts
• Year: 2024

Product Used: Deck

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Cuttyhunk, the outermost of the Elizabeth Islands, lies between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. With a year-round population of only about ten residents, the island becomes more lively during summer when a few hundred visitors arrive, creating a balance of solitude and community. The site itself reflects the rugged beauty of the island’s glacially formed terrain, with rocky soils, sandy beaches, and native coastal vegetation. The marine climate, with its salt spray, high winds, and humidity, presents challenges that call for durable materials and thoughtful detailing. For this reason, the deck has been constructed using black locust decking, a material renowned for its natural durability, resistance to decay, and ability to withstand harsh coastal environments without the need for chemical treatment. The design emphasizes orientation and immersion—framing panoramic views of the ocean, sunsets, and the migratory paths of seabirds. The layout incorporates built-in seating and clean-lined edges, allowing uninterrupted sightlines toward the horizon. Black locust, with its warm tones that naturally weather into a silver-gray patina, blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while ensuring long-lasting structural integrity. Stainless steel fasteners complement the hardwood’s resilience, ensuring the deck will remain beautiful and functional for decades with minimal maintenance. Careful attention is given to ecological sensitivity. The deck minimizes its footprint by sitting lightly on the land, using pier or ground-screw foundations that protect drainage and preserve native vegetation. Narrow board spacing allows water to pass through, supporting the island’s fragile environment. Pathways and connections to sandy or rocky shorelines are made subtle and non-intrusive, maintaining the natural character of the site. Functionally, the deck is divided into flexible zones: areas for outdoor dining, lounging, and smaller retreats for reading or reflection. Subtle lighting is integrated into railings and steps, providing both safety and atmosphere without disrupting the nighttime quiet. The result is a welcoming extension of the residence—perfectly suited for intimate gatherings, family meals, or simply watching the changing light over Vineyard Sound. This project is not just the construction of an outdoor space; it is an expression of Cuttyhunk’s essence. Rugged yet refined, modern yet timeless, the deck becomes a bridge between human comfort and natural beauty. By choosing black locust decking, the design not only ensures exceptional performance in a demanding environment but also reflects a deep commitment to sustainability. It is a place where one can fully experience the island’s rhythm: the whisper of the waves, the salty breeze, the glowing horizon at dusk, and the rare peace that comes from living in harmony with the sea.