The residence is reemerging as a forest of scaffolding is being removed from the house. The last of the exterior finishes are being applied. The generous overhanging roof shades the house and terraces of various sizes on three levels. The exposed concrete columns contrast to the lighter plaster. Our attention will soon focus on the interior finishes and trims.
The design-build addition is now completed. The existing residence was cut off from exceptional views of Sarasota Bay. The only access from the elevated house to the bay was by means of a narrow stair in the side yard. The renovation and addition opens the house up for the views and connects to the bay with a new set of 12’ wide stairs carved out from the existing 8’ high plinth.
The interior of the existing house was centered on a cavernous double height space lit by small glass block windows. The addition adds a mezzanine level, a dining wing and a generous shaded porch on the bay side. A glass bridge extends through the width of the house from the existing entry foyer to a balcony on the bay side, pulling the inhabitant toward the shaded porch and the bay.
Built-in bookcases for the storage and display of the owner’s colored glass collection are accessed from the glass bridge. The roof of the porch spans a full thirty feet over the elevated pool framing the long views over the bay. Two cuts in the roof turn the large porch into a three dimensional sundial. The sun also reflects onto the south portion of the pool and bounces light back onto the ceiling of this exterior volume.
The kitchen renovation is well underway. We tore down the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. The drywall surfaces have been patched. All of the CABICO cabinets have been delivered and are quickly and carefully being installed. We are also installing new roof framing and membrane.
The steel framing and decking is in place. One can clearly understand the volume of the house and its interior and exterior spaces. The views from the covered terraces are outstanding. The house seems to welcome Tampa Bay under its wing.
The glass bridge is in place along with teh interior glass rail. The exterior space only requires the pool finish and the rail. All the rails should be installed next week.
