Program Summary:
The comprehensive transformation of this 15th floor apartment emphasizes stunning views to the Florida Gulf Coast while infusing a calming sense of order in a clean lined sophisticated atmosphere for living.
Program Statement:
Transforming the builder - grade apartment into an ordered, highly functional and sophisticated space, while maintaining the existing space needs, the locations of the existing infrastructure, and deemphasizing the relatively low existing ceiling height were the challenges of the design.
The primary goals include:
1.Create a straightforward, ordered, and logical hierarchy and progression of spaces.
2.Increase the sense of spaciousness within the residence
3.Integrate the public spaces of the design while maintaining the functional use of each required room to create engaging and enduring spaces for living.
An angled patterned glass wall is imposed in the center of a newly defined Entry that was fundamental to crafting a transformative order within the residence. This wall gestures to the front door and creates the focal point at this end of the central spine of the design. The wall conceals the coat closet and screens the private entry to the Master Suite. A portal accessing the Guest Suite is also entered from this space.
From the Entry a walnut paneled light bridge with corresponding rhythmic limestone floor pattern directly below establishes a principal axis to the residence. Though all of the public spaces of the home intentionally flow one into another; the light bridge and the perpendicular support walls work in concert to simply and distinctly delineate each space for its particular use. The bridge is both aesthetic and functional providing downlighting and continuous uplighting, while housing the mechanical ductwork and diffusers.
The bridge passes over the dining- display/kitchen-utility wall and terminates at the exterior wall of the residence. The height and material of this unifying element creates the illusion that the finished ceiling is taller than actual. At the intersection of light bridge to exterior wall, walnut panels spill into the Breakfast Room and Den creating additional storage. This casework frames existing windows within these rooms seemingly extending the spaces. The table in the Breakfast area and the desk within the Den are fully integrated into the design. Walnut paneled cabinet doors clad the workspace of the kitchen while a fused-glass countertop surrounds the space and waterfalls to the floor.
The reflective stainless steel utility wall propels natural light into the Kitchen from the window walls in the adjacent Den and Breakfast spaces. Tubular door handles to match the appliances were commissioned to create rhythm and continuity along this wall and within the Kitchen’s work zone.
The purposeful selection and placement of a restrained palette of natural materials: limestone floors, glass countertops, walnut wood casework & panels and stainless steel instill a sense of effortlessness and spaciousness within the residence. The meticulous layout, distinct order, materials, finishes, lighting, furnishings and details of the design were painstakingly attended by the architect in an effort to create an intrinsic sense of tranquility for years to come.