Mediterranean architectural themes are seen everywhere in this impressive yet very casual home. The half-round Spanish arches are seen throughout the interior and exterior and really tie the building together. They define spaces along the rear lanai via a colonnade, they define the main entry, and they even turn to glass on the wall of the office. This idea was born when the building was being built and the client saw what a spectacular water view the office had and how the wall dividing his office to the game room was going to hinder the view…so we decided to bring in arches and treat them like interior windows. This allowed us to share the view with people in the game room while giving the office audible privacy.
A major design impetus for this three-story structure was born out of adhering to strict code guidelines set forth from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Act) as well as a definitive program set forth by the clients. This home boasts: a large parking area for level one where up to eight cars can fit comfortably, a large central great room with its main axis running from the entry garden all the way to the open Tampa Bay beyond, cascading mezzanine levels, a pool designed in such as way as to give the effect that the house is actually resting on top of a plinth (the “boulders” of the pool run right up to the building and contain water-slides accessible from different levels of the home), several exterior stairways, an elevator, and many other spectacular elements. This home was designed to be grand enough to impress, but low-key enough to make people feel at home. The underlying theme of this home was to make it so wonderful that when the clients’ extended family came to visit they would never want to leave.
This home has flowing spaces large enough for over 100 people while maintaining more intimate spaces for 10 people or less all the way down to the entry garden that is meant for only a few people to enjoy. The owners throw a lot of parties and love to entertain so it was important to have spaces for varied group sizes. The rear of the house is particularly great for parties…especially later in the afternoon. The rear of the house faces due west to allow for unworldly sunsets that can be enjoyed from varied heights along the cascading porch levels.
One of the most interesting things about this particular design is how the water just hits you as soon as you open the front doors. All you see is water beyond the great room through 8′ Nana walls that fold up accordion- style to allow for a completely open void in the wall…it is as though they disappear when they’re open. Since the main level is elevated roughly 12′ off the ground, it appears as though the house is actually sitting directly on the water. The kitchen eating area truly feels as though the building is literally built on the water.
*This home was ranked the 7th most expensive home in Tampa in 2016.
