Bayou Louise Boathouse
Located along Bayou Louise, this rare waterfront boathouse is a distinctive remnant of Sarasota’s mid-century coastal architecture. The property extends from Big Sarasota Pass to Bayou Louise and includes an existing 1950s residence on the main waterfront and a deteriorating boathouse on the smaller canal. Although the City of Sarasota’s zoning regulations no longer permit new boathouses, existing structures are grandfathered and may be restored within their original footprint. Recognizing the architectural and cultural value of this uncommon structure, the owners chose to preserve and reinterpret the boathouse rather than replace it.
After decades of exposure to the marine environment, the original structure had deteriorated significantly. Wood rot, salt damage, cracking, and algae buildup compromised the building, necessitating a comprehensive reconstruction. The new design draws on the principles of the Sarasota School of Architecture, particularly its emphasis on climate responsiveness, material honesty, and a direct relationship between architecture and landscape.
The reconstructed foundation uses wood piers concealed beneath dark piling wraps, improving durability while minimizing the visual impact of the new work. A galvanized steel frame forms the primary structure, chosen for its ability to withstand the demanding waterfront environment. Ipe wood cladding softens the steel’s industrial character while allowing exterior components to be maintained and replaced over time.
Exposed interlocking beam-and-column connections become an important part of the architectural expression. Rather than concealing the structure, the connections reveal how the building is assembled, evoking the material honesty and craftsmanship of mid-century waterfront architecture.
The screened enclosure is the defining architectural element. Inspired in part by the rhythm and proportion of the nearby Cocoon House’s jalousie-style façade, the custom wood screen serves as both an environmental filter and an architectural veil. It regulates sunlight, promotes natural ventilation, and provides privacy while preserving a continuous visual connection to the water.
Filtered light and prevailing breezes pass through the screened enclosure, creating a naturally tempered interior and reinforcing the passive environmental strategies that defined Sarasota’s mid-century architecture. The result is a new boathouse that preserves the presence of a rare existing structure while reinterpreting its relationship to climate, materials, and the waterfront for contemporary use.
Location:
Siesta Key, Florida
Type:
Waterfront Boathouse | Historic Preservation & Renovation
Status:
Completion, 2027