BEACH HOUSE

Mary Esther, FL

This renovation/rehabilitation of an existing beach house in Mary Esther, Florida sought to acknowledge the worthiness of the existing building while respectfully bringing it into the twenty-first century.  Most important was strengthening the approach to the house from the driveway, making for a clear transition between everyday life and beach life.  This was achieved via site walls, site lighting, hardscaping, and a completely new entry between the public and private areas of the house.  This memorable “front door” remains completely transparent in contrast to the solid planes flanking the pedestrian approach to the house.  The view to the water reveals itself as one walks through the front door, obtains a cocktail, and proceeds to the outdoor room that overlooks the water and dock.  The house also received updated bathrooms and new finishes throughout.  All new windows and sliding doors redefine the “light” portion of the exterior in contrast to the “heavy” stucco.  The hardscape on the south side of the house was also replaced and highlighted with site lighting and a site wall that leads down to the water.