VOA

For passionate art collectors, the challenge of this condominium renovation was to transform an existing interior into a refined environment that could both display and preserve their curated art collection. Originally built in the mid-1990s, the residence was defined by fragmented geometry, angled walls, partial-height partitions, and a heavy stair structure that disrupted the clarity and flow of the linear floor plan. The Owners envisioned a warm, inviting home that celebrated family, connection, and the meaningful artwork collected throughout their lives.

The project’s conceptual foundation emerged from the idea of the Vessel of Art (VOA)—a modern interpretation of the traditional vessel as a container designed to protect and reveal objects of value. Like ancient vessels created to preserve precious materials such as food, perfume, or jewelry, the residence itself becomes a carefully crafted receptacle: a simple, elegant framework that provides a quiet backdrop while elevating the significance of the artwork it contains.

The existing volume was redefined through simplification and refinement. Angled walls were removed, and partial-height partitions were extended to the ceiling, creating uninterrupted surfaces for art display and strengthening the spatial composition. The original stair was replaced with a lightweight cantilevered steel structure and a transparent glass railing, making the circulation element an architectural artwork that appears to float within the space.

A restrained material palette reinforces the purity of the design intent. Crisp white surfaces create a neutral, gallery-like setting for the collection, while warm wood paneling adds texture and human scale. Glass partitions and railings allow natural light to flow seamlessly between spaces, maintaining visual continuity throughout the residence. Through the careful balance of form, material, and light, the home becomes a vessel—one that protects, frames, and celebrates the Owners’ art collection as an integral part of everyday living.

Location:
Longboat Key, Florida

Status:
Completed, 2018

Awards:
2021 | SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum Award for Best Remodel | Renovation
2020 | AIA Florida Gulf Coast Merit Award for Renovations and Additions
2019 | AIA Florida/Caribbean Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations and Additions

Photography:
© 2018 | Ryan Gamma