Project Description↓

Creek House is a 3,799 sf, single-family residence in Sarasota, Florida, located on a peninsula-like property along Phillippi Creek. Portions of the property are located in a flood zone, however it is a very elongated property which allows for the structures to be located outside of it. Despite being located outside of the flood zone, however, the property has a noticeable change in grade from the street to the creek which creates interesting challenges to be taken into consideration with how water moves across the site as well as how the buildings themselves respond to the slope through tiered spaces and cantilevered portions The project consists of three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, plenty of integrated and tiered outdoor terraces as well as a screened-in space, kitchen, dining area, dedicated study, and laundry room.

The project is quite aware of the water-related needs and activities both on the site itself and with the creek it shares. With operable windows, sliding doors, and screen porches on each side of the building, cross-ventilation and breezes off the water are used to the advantage of the end-user and the environment. With much of the building being glass, the “butterfly” roof becomes monumental as the rest of the house and its tiered terraces integrate into the sloped site. The roof, along with a prominent steel structure allows the house to act as a machine of sorts for water relocation to an on-site cistern. The building is comprised of four primary materials: board-formed concrete, Ipe wood, galvanized steel, and impact glass. The material palette is honest and straightforward in order reinforce the link between the creek and the land for its aqua-loving owners.