Nirvana Home

By definition, a state of perfect happiness; an ideal or idyllic place is known as Nirvana. One outdoor space on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, crafted as just such an idyllic retreat also bears this name as given by its owners and designers. Each Ryan Hughes Design Build project, whatever the complexity or configuration, is given a name to define the project with the selection often determined by elements or engineering. For this 5,800 square foot space, it was a feeling, a vibe, a harmony with the surroundings that led to its naming. From the moment the homeowner entered the space, a feeling of perfect happiness or ideal design was experienced… true Nirvana.

With its inspired name and the feelings it projects, this dynamic Florida outdoor space equally portrays minimalism and a simplicity of style. As Nirvana takes it’s place in the Ryan Hughes portfolio, it stands out as not the typical “over the top” or a full of moving parts projects; but, one that exudes plenty of wow even in its simplicity.

“Simple can be hard to accomplish,” said Ryan Hughes, creative director and owner, Ryan Hughes Design Build. “With Nirvana, throughout the lines and levels of this build, we worked to maintain a simplicity of design while incorporating an abundance of natural elements and interesting features.”

Upon entering the home, the view across the outdoor space delivers a surprise feature courtesy of Mother Nature. A stand of Mangrove trees appears as reflected in the pool surface before you. These rare shrub-like plantings are small in stature, but offer a protective element to the water’s edge of the outdoor space.

“These are very rare,” said Hughes. “And for this reason, we worked to make them the focal point of the space. When you walk into the living space on the second floor of the home and look across the reflecting pool, this patch of nature is on full display in all its simplicity.”

At the center of the outdoor living project simplicity continues with the design of the swimming pool and its clean angles and lines. True to the Ryan Hughes Design Build ideology, there is a blending of earth, fire, water and multiple textures from wood to stone throughout the project and none more than surrounding the pool. Despite the minimalistic feel, the Hughes also infused a powerful vibe. This outdoor living space is surrounded by powerful elements reflecting a modern design while delivering a quietly zen-filled vibe.

Architecturally, the pool and patios are situated upon expertly engineered pilings to accommodate the location along a velocity zone of the Gulf of Mexico. Design-wise, all glass tile used throughout the pool and multiple water features is crafted by international tile experts, Mosaicist. This team selected a custom blend of tile, Floresta, in hues of green to match the natural setting. An interesting pebble design was utilized on the pool’s sun shelf. Working with the architect of the home, the Hughes team was able to create an illusion of one of the home’s supporting structures appearing to have been dropped into the pool. In actuality, the pool was constructed around the MSI stone cladded support. A vanishing edge eight-person spa cladded in glass tile by Mosaicist was designed to sit next to the home supporting column and a custom-built fire feature by Grand Effects.

One unique feature of Nirvana, although located on the waterfront of the Gulf of Mexico, is the addition of a 100-foot by 35-foot custom designed beach. Created as a launching area for the homeowner’s hobby of kite surfing, the addition of this personal beach was a driving factor in the purchase of the property. A custom launching area was created through the addition of specifically placed boulders, a drainage configuration and ultimately thirty truckloads of beach sand. This space also was created with a nod to Feng Shui; designed to use energy forces to harmonize the individuals with their surrounding environment.

An outdoor dining area was an element of the project that incorporated the use of mixed materials as well. For comfort, the Oscar collection from Brown Jordan was selected with a powder coated aluminum frame and rope detailing. Accommodating entertainment was also addressed within the pool by Ledge Lounger signature chaises alongside custom-built concrete tables. All concrete within the project from tables to pavers, edging to supports was designed with a custom finish for a consistent look from Elite Cast Stone.

The feeling of Nirvana; perfect happiness in outdoor spaces was delivered by design.