Shibusa
After purchasing a long and narrow property along Big Sarasota Pass in Sarasota, the Owners desired a design for their future home to reflect their simple, uncomplicated, and refined lifestyle. With the simplicity of form and materials, the conceptual idea for this project derives from the Japanese word shibusa. This concept encompasses a simple and subdued appearance but refined quality with an economy of form, line, and effort, producing a timeless and tranquil aesthetic.
With the lift of the structure above base flood elevation as a zoning requirement, the Owners aspired to inhabit modest but carefully interconnected pavilions that levitate above the tropical landscape. The simplicity of form is achieved by configuring the L-shaped structure composed of two rectilinear pavilions. Containing the public aspects of the program as well as the Owners’ quarters, the main pavilion is carefully carved out to open itself toward the water views of Big Sarasota Pass. This uninterrupted view becomes the common datum that links the open floor plan spaces and the adjacent rooms. Separated from the main pavilion by a transparent two-story entry stair, the private elements of the program are gathered in a long and narrow volume. The orientation of the guest pavilion takes advantage of the internal courtyard, which contains a tropical garden with a lap pool while also providing additional water views. The cantilevered extension of this volume above the private courtyard entry screen enhances the essence of the floating structure as if it were reaching out to capture the views of Bayou Louise on the opposite side of the property.
The delicate expression and detailing of architectural elements further reinforce the simplicity of the structure while addressing the local climate. Strategically placed vertical shading screens, deep overhangs, and nested windows emphasize the structure’s integrity through their adaptation and interplay with the Florida sun. The careful composition of a repetitive but limited material palette of exposed board-on-board concrete on the ground floor, vertical composite wood shading screens and siding on the elevated structure, and white portland cement plaster provide a gesture of unity as well as an understated elegance and timelessness.
Location:
Siesta Key | Sarasota, Florida
Status:
Completed, 2020
Awards:
2024 | AIA Florida Gulf Coast Honor Award of Excellence for Interiors
2024 | AIA Florida Gulf Coast Merit Award of Excellence for New Work
2024 | SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum Award for Best Landscape Design/Outdoor
2023 | AIA Florida/Caribbean Merit Award of Excellence for New Work
2023 | AIA Florida/Caribbean Merit Award of Excellence for Interiors
2022 | SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Gold Award for Best Overall Interior Design
2021 | SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum Award for Best Overall Home - Over $2 Million
Landscape Architect:
DWY Landscape Architects
Photography:
© 2020 | Hive Architects Inc. + Ryan Gamma
Monograph:
Shibusa | Hive Architects (Masterpiece Series) | Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers, 2022
