RESIDENTIAL: Sarasota, Florida
Overlooking Sarasota Bay, this residence was the dream of a young couple looking to reconnect with Sarasota, their hometown. An interesting but non-conforming mid-century modern home stood on this site, which was demolished to make way for a new structure with a separated program designed to create three distinct outdoor environments. The undulating topography of the backyard provides sweeping views of the bay and Lido Key in the distance, while the courtyard nestled between the main house and guest house creates a private green space for the couple’s two young children to play. A sea of grasses and ferns frames the northern and eastern facades, giving contrast to the dark limestone walls. A large gate welcomes guests into the courtyard, effectively an outdoor foyer, leading up to the entry. As the program is stretched to create gaps, the architecture follows with roofs being separated from walls by clerestory windows, steel columns that terminate to thin knife plates, and slabs cantilevering just inches above the surrounding grade. The feature staircase continues this concept by floating just above a monolithic plinth below. All spaces, even the guesthouse at the extreme eastern side of the site, are afforded views of the bay.
