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Key West Modern

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Location
Key West, Florida
Style
Modern
The Bismarckia Palm was not only used as a focal point but it also blocks the view of the neighbors into the cantilevered office. The step up into the property was done as the grade had to be made up between the street and the house therefore it was done gradually by adding the first step up into the property.
The Bismarckia Palm was not only used as a focal point but it also blocks the view of the neighbors into the cantilevered office. The step up into the property was done as the grade had to be made up between the street and the house therefore it was done gradually by adding the first step up into the property.
A secondary step-up was created to add height to make up the grade. The water fountain was added to the pool with a ledge directly underneath to sit on so the water could spill onto the home owners or it could function as a visual feature while the sound of the running water could be enjoyed whether or not they were relaxing in or by the pool. The original property had the swimming pool at the front of the house and the decision was made that it would remain in the same place so the clients could get the effect of walking over water when they enter their home.
A secondary step-up was created to add height to make up the grade. The water fountain was added to the pool with a ledge directly underneath to sit on so the water could spill onto the home owners or it could function as a visual feature while the sound of the running water could be enjoyed whether or not they were relaxing in or by the pool. The original property had the swimming pool at the front of the house and the decision was made that it would remain in the same place so the clients could get the effect of walking over water when they enter their home.
The front of the property was designed to feel as though it is the clients' own 'Tropical Paradise Resort'.
The front of the property was designed to feel as though it is the clients' own 'Tropical Paradise Resort'.
A clean, modern dramatic entrance was one of the most important elements for the clients when designing their Key West Retreat.
A clean, modern dramatic entrance was one of the most important elements for the clients when designing their Key West Retreat.
Lush tropical planting not only helps create the Tropical Resort feel that the clients wanted but it also helps for privacy. Powder-coated aluminum was used for the gate so it had less of a visual weight and didn't feel 'heavy'.
Lush tropical planting not only helps create the Tropical Resort feel that the clients wanted but it also helps for privacy. Powder-coated aluminum was used for the gate so it had less of a visual weight and didn't feel 'heavy'.
It's all about the details and the infinity edge of the pool was a priority for the home owners. The minimal color palette, clean lines and tropical planting make this the resort home of their dreams.
It's all about the details and the infinity edge of the pool was a priority for the home owners. The minimal color palette, clean lines and tropical planting make this the resort home of their dreams.
The hardscape of the patio was designed to match the architecture. Clean lines and a modern feel were an important factor for the clients. Indoor/outdoor living is a must for this outdoor dining area. Accordion doors allow for the refreshing winter breeze to blow throw the house and allow for an easy transition between the front of the property and the back.
The hardscape of the patio was designed to match the architecture. Clean lines and a modern feel were an important factor for the clients. Indoor/outdoor living is a must for this outdoor dining area. Accordion doors allow for the refreshing winter breeze to blow throw the house and allow for an easy transition between the front of the property and the back.
Ivory Travertine was used for the pathway and decking around the pool White-Iced tile surrounds the infinity edge. White river rock is used in keeping with the same color palette. It not only serves as a design element but also hides the grate surrounding the pool for the over-spill.
Ivory Travertine was used for the pathway and decking around the pool White-Iced tile surrounds the infinity edge. White river rock is used in keeping with the same color palette. It not only serves as a design element but also hides the grate surrounding the pool for the over-spill.
A lounging area was strategically placed near the tropical planting to help provide shade and privacy.
A lounging area was strategically placed near the tropical planting to help provide shade and privacy.
A low wall was built to create a distinct separation of space between the carport and the entrance to the house with the sense of entering into a resort.
A low wall was built to create a distinct separation of space between the carport and the entrance to the house with the sense of entering into a resort.
Clean and modern with a tropical resort feel were the design specification for this Key West home.
Clean and modern with a tropical resort feel were the design specification for this Key West home.
A lounging area was strategically placed near the tropical planting to help provide shade and privacy.
A lounging area was strategically placed near the tropical planting to help provide shade and privacy.
The clients requested a tropical garden they could walk through. The gravel pathway helps add to the sense of a tropical jungle.
The clients requested a tropical garden they could walk through. The gravel pathway helps add to the sense of a tropical jungle.
Indoor/outdoor living isn not complete without an outdoor seating area.
Indoor/outdoor living isn not complete without an outdoor seating area.
The hardscape of the patio was designed to match the architecture. Clean lines and a modern feel were an important factor for the clients. Indoor/outdoor living is a must for this outdoor dining area. Accordion doors allow for the refreshing winter breeze to blow throw the house and allow for an easy transition between the front of the property and the back.
The hardscape of the patio was designed to match the architecture. Clean lines and a modern feel were an important factor for the clients. Indoor/outdoor living is a must for this outdoor dining area. Accordion doors allow for the refreshing winter breeze to blow throw the house and allow for an easy transition between the front of the property and the back.
An outdoor kitchen was added with concrete countertops that could resist the harsh summer heat and easy for clean-up.
An outdoor kitchen was added with concrete countertops that could resist the harsh summer heat and easy for clean-up.
Landscape lighting can create a sense of drama as well as functioning on a practical level allowing for clear, visible paths around the property.
Landscape lighting can create a sense of drama as well as functioning on a practical level allowing for clear, visible paths around the property.

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Haven Burkee
Interior Design
David L Smith Interiors
Landscape Design
Builder
Sky Limit Construction
Photographer
Tamara Alvarez
Publications
Garden Design Magazine

From Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

This project was a complete rebuild. The clients envisioned a Tropical Modern Retreat where they could escape the cold New Jersey winters and a place that their family would want to come and stay. A modern home with a water feature to walk over before one entered the house was the two most important elements for the clients. The front needed to be modern resort-like & the back garden needed to be a lush tropical garden that one could get lost in. Indoor/outdoor living was also a priority for this Key West property. Knowing that they would be spending most of the winter in the Keys the clients wanted to have a property that could be open that would allow the refreshing winter breeze to flow throughout the house.