Credits
From Laurie Rudd
SKYWAY … to paradise.
With a majestic view of the skyway connecting the island it calls home to the city of St. Petersburg, this outdoor retreat projects sophisticated simplicity by day and modern drama by night. Entitled, Skyway, this exterior design project from the award-winning team of Ryan Hughes Design Build packs generous amenities and experiences into an economy of waterfront space.
Glistening waters surround a well-appointed outdoor retreat highlighted by a bespoke infinity pool and spa and waterfall features. A custom designed sunken fire lounge appears to float within the 19’ x 38’ tile encircled pool. Adjacent to a southern Florida family’s home, the outdoor space delivers a seamless view linking its water features to the glass-like waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Lounging experiences abound in and around Skyway from the contemporary spa and pool to the elegant fire lounge and waterfront dining patio. A swim-up bar crowned with a Granite countertop partnered with all-weather wicker bar seating to allow guests to gather whether from within or outside the pool. Throughout the outdoor space, all décor elements from shade to seating are curated exclusively by Ryan Hughes Designs.
A centerpiece of the project is the 12’ x 14’ sunken fire lounge that appears to rise out of the waters of the modern pool. Delivering ambiance and warmth, this lounging area designed of a combination of travertine, stucco and glass tile is full of classic elegance. A 3’ x 5’ linear gas fire pit is at the center of the lounge cladded with oceanside lineage glass tile. A grand Tuuci cantilever umbrella, built to follow the sun, offers sophisticated shade perfectly engineered to mirror the shape of the fire lounge. Floating steps lead into the lower level lounge from the travertine tile pool deck. Stucco, colorized to match the home, concrete edging and colorful designer cushions provide a sophistication within the sunken outdoor room.
Designer in-pool loungers on the pool’s sun shelf allow for cooling with comfort and style. At the opposite end of the space, lounging is created by a custom-built settee crafted by Ryan Hughes. Cladded with natural stone veneer and oceanside lineage glass tile, the seating is accented with weather-resistant decorative pillows. Stained stepping pads in combination with artificial turf create a durable and well-designed gathering patio for outdoor dining.
Tropical plantings finish the waterfront design by offering a resort-like ambiance to the exteriors from raised planters imbued with LED lighting. In-pool and inter-planting lighting creates day to night enjoyment of the outdoor space.
The majesty of the blue sky is on full display from each vantage point of the Skyway project; an accomplishment appreciated by the homeowners and precisely created by Ryan Hughes Design Build for overall wow.