Lakefront Green in Florida

I am working with a retired couple on the design of a “retirement home” in Central Florida. One of the great things about the couple is their desire to live modern, efficiently, and sustainable. This will be a move down home, reduced in size from 11,000 sf to just over 5,000 sf. This may seem excessive but every space in the home will be utilized. She is an active artist working with metal, paintings, and sculpture, he an avid woodworker. The couple has a large collection of art, extended family and grandchildren, and loves to entertain.

The home is situated on a beautiful lake front lot with 270 degree water views; the rear (toward the water) faces west. Every design effort is being made to capitalize on the views, breezes, and protection from the elements. The front of the home, east side, has few windows but the rear (west side) is almost end to end glass protected by extensive overhangs at the porches and treated glazing that allows minimum heat gain while providing clear views.

Also a consideration in Florida is hurricane protection. The home is equipped with impact resistant glass and frames as well as hurricane shutters that operate on the west side of the home. The wall structure of the home is ICF with an R-rating of 45 and the roof insulation is spray on foam with an R-rating of 48.

Special attention is also given to the interior finishes which will be combinations of exposed wood, concrete, metal, and dry wall. All fixtures, both electrical and plumbing, will be high efficiency, water sensitive, Energy Star, and local…except for the shower head in the master bath…full spray desired!

The landscaping will follow the Florida Friendly Landscape guidelines and in addition to low water needs will also include rain barrels and a cistern for reclaimed water to be used for landscape needs.

The home should be completed by the end of 2013, and I will post progress photos and info as it proceeds.