For over 60 years, the Home Builders Association of Mississippi has supported the state’s construction industry to aid in its sustainability, success, and activism. To honor the accomplishments and brilliant work produced in the field, the organization annually presents its annual “Best in Mississippi Building and Remodeling Awards” and selects a singular project for the Grand Award. This recipient must exhibit the best overall design, workmanship, and creativity of all candidates.
This year’s frontrunners, Hunter Desporte and Chase Denmark of Buildhaus constructed a majestic home, Shallow Point Manor, situated on a 100-acre family compound on the Back Bay of Gulfport. Designed by architect George Denmark, the classic Louisiana-lowland-style home is heavily influenced by A. Hayes Town, who mentored Denmark. Trusted by the homeowners, the architect, whose reputation and talent fuel his impressive client list, has created several designs for the family in previous years and continues to produce future family projects. Shallow Point Manor, in particular, is a shining example of his work.
Unique materials used in the structure include brick cladding, the exterior of which was reclaimed from an early 1900s church in Chicago, and the interior brick salvaged from the late Dixie Beer factory in New Orleans. “The hand-hewn white oak posts and beams are, without a doubt, my favorite feature of the home,” Desporte notes. “Their irregular shapes and sizes presented a unique challenge, pushing our craftsmen to embrace creativity by skillfully shaping and molding the pieces to fit together seamlessly. In some cases, we even took on the task of carving and hewing them ourselves to ensure the joinery appeared effortlessly cohesive, as though it has always belonged.” The white oak beams were procured over a year prior to construction from various barns in Ohio and Pennsylvania by Amish partners, while the white oak flooring was salvaged from an early 1900s co-op also in Pennsylvania. The stunning millwork, including the exterior wood-turned columns, handrails, and louver systems, was produced by David Thompson of St. Francisville, Louisiana, and nephew to A. Hayes Town.
The French-inspired interiors are both elegant and comfortable, complemented by Venetian plaster throughout the home. Designer Holly Floyd Shipman of Three Dog Design in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, joined the team after the architectural drawings were completed and on the eve of the construction start. “I first met the owners of Shallow Point when I assisted them during the construction of their beach-front home. We enjoyed the collaborative approach on that project, which led them to ask me to assist with the Gulfport project,” Shipman states. “George Denmark had created the overall interior vision, so I focused on assisting the owners with actual finish selections, procurement of specialty items, and creating a look that was respectful to both the architecture and the owners’ taste.” All interior finishes, including plaster, cabinetry, doors, and ceilings, were custom-crafted on-site by a collective of over four dozen international artisans operating out of Segreto Finishes of Houston, Texas. With decades of experience, Segreto worked closely with Buildhaus and Shipman to provide the precise result desired by the homeowners.
“The owners of Shallow Point Manor are very down-to-earth and family-oriented. They wanted a comfortable home with interiors that paid respect to the overall architectural design,” Shipman states. “Specific focus was placed on adjusting wood finishes to keep the design from leaning too rustic or lodge-like and for stone selections to create a soft, organic palette.” While the interiors lean French-inspired, Shipman incorporated several family pieces into the spaces to give more depth of interest and a beautifully collected look of old and new. Since working with the homeowners previously, they shared a process of selection and decision that resulted in a timeless and fitting look for a gracious Southern home. “I loved the combination of brick, vintage wood, and plaster throughout the house,” the designer adds. “I think one of the most striking moments is when you enter and experience the long gallery halls on either side of the foyer. The rhythm of the light fixtures and the softness of the drapery paired with the finishes is just beautiful.”
With Shipman based in Florida, Buildhaus was able to establish a beautifully managed relationship, although the designer had limited site visits. Through Hunter Desporte’s detail-oriented communication and scheduling, and Chase Denmark’s management of sub-contractors and overall construction and finishing detail, the trio was committed to a collaborative approach and dedicated to creating a timeless legacy home. “It starts with the water-front setting and continues with the spectacular hardscape and landscape design. The architecture is breathtaking, and the interior spaces are the icing on the cake. They don’t compete, but they certainly stand on their own,” Shipman concludes.
The home was also required to be highly efficient, and building science was largely emphasized during construction. With an unvented attic system, closed cell foam for the roof, floor, and wall structures, multiple makeup air systems, dehumidifiers, and energy recovery ventilating systems, Buildhaus took upon itself a major undertaking to create an energy-efficient, healthy home of this size. The Homebuilders Association of Mississippi undoubtedly recognized the achievement. “This home reflects the timeless craftsmanship and traditional techniques once prevalent throughout Mississippi. Thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its coastal surroundings, it also showcases a distinct French influence,” Desporte states, honored by the association’s recognition. “This award stands as a testament to our dedication to excellence across every facet of fine home building, a challenging feat in the constantly evolving nature of our industry. Our team, along with our subcontractors, put in a relentless effort on this highly technical, large-scale project, delivering outstanding quality and efficiency.”
