Oceanfront Architecture in the Florida Keys

August 27, 2014

Oceanfront Architecture in the Florida Keys

Naples Architect, Weber Design Group has designed a Caribbean house plan perfect for Florida Keys living.

The sunny Florida Keys are known for stunning blue and turquoise waters and the ultimate getaway for relaxation and exploration and this exquisite custom architecture offers just that.  Nestled on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this open floor plan was created with the mindset of taking an already premier waterfront lot and enhancing it with a home that would take advantage of this prime location.

This three-level, great room floor plan comes in at 6,153 square feet under air with two master suites, two remaining guest rooms, four full baths and one half bath, formal study, wet bar, elevator, grand staircase, elaborate ceiling designs and breathtaking scenic ocean views from almost every room.

The exterior appeal of the house is fascinating with a grand approach from the circular driveway as you make your way up to the two story covered entry. The exterior façade is composed of a light grey stucco finish; dark grey stacked stone, white precast banding, blue shutters and a slate grey concrete tile roof.  The front windows feature unique circular grill work accented by Bahama shutters and a wooden trellis.  On the third level above the main entry is a covered balcony with a vaulted gable roof and a structural arched gable-end beam for added character.  There are also two arched trellises flanking the home’s main entry above both carport entries.

The entire lower level of this home is used primarily as a carport as it can support tandem parking for up to ten vehicles.  There is also plenty of room for storage, fishing and dive gear, kayaks and any other water sport equipment needed to take full advantage of the Florida Keys.

Enter the home through large double wooden doors with transom lights and step into a three level foyer met by the grand staircase.  Up the stairs and straight ahead, you’re immediately captured by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean with the extensive glass doors and windows along the rear of the home, perfect for enjoying sunrise. Standing now in the large great room, the decorative wood beam ceiling is accented by an open-web, arched center beam that’s supported by wooden brackets under each truss which further compliments the openness of the home by bringing an outdoors feeling inside.  This ceiling detail is highlighted by rope lighting around the perimeter of the room that’s encased in a wooden boxed beam.  The great room also features a built-in entertainment center with a motorized television enclosure that ensures the pristine view is never obscured.  To the right is a built-in wet bar and a powder/pool bath for visitors.

Keeping with the open island feel of this home, just off the great room lies the dining room and kitchen.  Both are open layouts with wood beamed ceilings and sliding glass doors that open up to the covered lanai which has an outdoor kitchen perfect for grilling your fresh catch of the day.  The kitchen features a huge walk-in pantry, a large island at 11’ x 6’ complete with two dishwashers, extra storage and a double sink.  From the kitchen, further down the hallway is a study nook to house cookbooks and mail, a large utility room with plenty of cabinet and counter top space, an elevator and a private study.  A unique feature in this private study is the cupola with windows on all four sides that allow for an optimal amount of natural light.

The first level master suite utilizes the entire right side of the home and features a spacious sitting area great for cozying up with a good book or simply looking out over the water through double glass doors that open up to a covered lanai. There’s also a morning bar with a mini fridge, ideal for that morning cup of Joe, his and hers walk-in closets and a private dressing area with a makeup counter with built-in lighting and a three sided dressing mirror.  This master bath has his and her vanities, his and her water closets with a bidet, a large walk-in shower with double rain heads and a classic skirted tub adjacent to a picturesque window.

Take the double staircase up to the second level where the remaining guestrooms and second master suite.  Incorporating many of the same design features as the first level master, this suite features a stackable washer and dryer inside her walk-in closet for added convenience.  There’s also private access through the sitting area to a covered porch that leads to a large, open sun deck.  From the master and across the stair landing, there is access to the covered balcony above the front entry and down the hall are two guest rooms.  Both are similar in layout and size and both feature walk-in closets, private baths and elevator access.  The rear guestroom also has access to the covered porch and sun deck. The split bedroom layout works great for having out-of-town guests stay for any extended amount of time.

While sunning on the deck take a look down where the infinity pool glistens in the Florida sun. Surrounded by lounge chairs and just a hop and skip to the ocean, the architecture is truly focused on getting the most out of this location. The outdoor living design of this home is everything you need to quickly go from visitor to permanent resident.

This particular project was distinctive because of the lot location being directly on the ocean, we really wanted to capture what the Florida Keys is all about. The unique design features and variety of building materials that we were able to incorporate really sets this house apart from any other property down there!