Originally a religious colony, Bethany Beach was largely reconstructed after being flattened in the storm of 1962. One of Delaware's most novel recent houses stands just north of town. The owners had lived near the Connecticut estate of architect Philip Johnson and were attuned to modernism. The dramatic roof slope to the north shielded the occupants from cold winds, and windows and doors were recessed so mechanical shutters could slide across, protecting against hurricanes. A tall triangular gable is balanced by a projecting square block with echoing square window, and the whole is supported on piers. Davis, Bowen and Friedel began with a staff of four in 1983 and in ten years grew to one of the largest architecture and engineering firms on Delmarva, with offices in Milford and in Salisbury, Maryland.