Project Details
Project Description
Situated on a quarter acre lot, this 3,700 SF island residence was designed to reflect the owners’ desire for a minimalist home in which they could equally live and entertain. The home is set within Lido Shores, an enclave for modern design centered amongst the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Located across the street from the water, the owners were surprised by their property’s lack of water view. To fulfill the owners’ desire for a connection to water, the architect designed the floorplan to wrap around the pool. All the main public and private spaces pivot around the pool - including the living space and kitchen. The challenge was to maintain an open flow between the living room and kitchen, maximizing the view of the pool from all areas, while still creating a separation of functions. To achieve the sense of openness, the kitchen was designed as an extension of the living area. There are no walls to obstruct the view to the pool while the selection of finishes continues seamlessly from room to room. When viewed from the entryway, the appliances are kept out of sight, maintaining the perspective of one cohesive, livable space. A refrigerator is “hidden” along the east wall until the owner is in the Kitchen. Similarly, the oven is screened from view by the center island. Unencumbered doorways, multiple vistas, and transom windows grant natural light throughout the course of the day and maintain the visual connection to the pool. To foster a more intimate dining room, a pantry was designed as a buffer between each space. The pantry walls stop short of the ceiling allowing natural light to reach inside - even among the items on bottom shelves. Quartz countertops further the unembellished aesthetic while a mosaic of white and grey glass tile adorn the backsplash. Clean lined cabinets hide any undesired clutter. The thoughtful layout of the kitchen counters, island, and appliances also maximizes user efficiency. When preparing food for themselves, the owners’ experience is intimate and easy. Similarly, the openness enables them to host large gatherings and still be a part of the action. A door leads from the kitchen preparation area directly to the covered terrace where a grill and dining area encourage indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. Guests may enter the terrace from the living space where sliding glass doors disappear into the walls. The project features numerous green aspects. Energy efficient windows, sliding glass doors, and a well-insulated building envelope minimize air-conditioning use. Energy efficient LED lighting is used throughout the home and the pool. Low flow plumbing fixtures save water while energy efficient sealed combustion water heaters and Energy Star appliances are used. Finishes included low VOC paints, sealants and finishes. The exterior of the home uses permeable walkway pavers, and crushed shell landscaping. The result is a functional kitchen and living area with a multitude of ideas woven into a single experience - ideal for individual use or grand entertaining.