The Exterior

Inside-Out Palette: Aqua walls and navy shutters not only reference the house’s waterside surroundings but also offer a preview of the cool shades inside.

Cement Siding: Planks and shingles made of reinforced concrete have the charm of traditional wood siding but will stand up to the coastal environment longer with less maintenance.

HOT TIN ROOF: With the same appeal of historic metal roofs, this steel version deflects as much as 90 percent of the sun’s heat, thereby keeping the house cooler.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Double-decker porches framed by bright white columns create a welcoming facade and encourage interaction with neighbors in Norfolk’s East Beach community, where houses are clustered along pedestrian-friendly streets.

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