Gulf Gardens began as a 1970s wood-frame structure with a southern addition from the 1980s. The home was non-conforming with the FEMA-required elevation level and, thus, would be subject to the 50% rule for renovations. This rule dictates how much money an owner can spend on a renovation in the State of Florida, limiting spending to 50% of the structure’s estimated value. Located seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL), the existing structure was closer to the ocean than where new construction is allowed, making a renovation the only way to retain the closer proximity to the ocean. The owner ultimately decided on a hybrid solution: renovating the existing structure and building a new elevated living area behind the CCCL. The rooftop deck and elevated pool were created to connect the new and existing structures, pushing the limits of what a renovation can truly be.
