Jonathan Parks Architect
Sarasota, Fla.
jpa-architect.com
Michael A. Gilkey Inc.
Sarasota, Fla.
Project name: Cherokee Park West
Project location: Sarasota, Fla.
Square footage: 4,450
Total project cost (not land): $1.3 million
The design concept was to extend the interior architecture by creating a series of intimate, exterior spaces within an elegant, unified outdoor area. Just as the courtyard architecture of this home brings the outdoors in, the landscape extends the interior and mimics the architecture in both style and function. The challenge was to create a sequence of outdoor rooms: a moon garden, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, courtyard, master bedroom garden and formal lawn. The outdoor rooms would need to be designed as warm and unique, yet harmonious and cohesive.
The solution was to artfully define each space using architectural and landscape elements, while integrating the composition through form, repetition, views and materials. Architecturally, simple volumes are created of whitewashed stucco, while the floor plan creates an indoor/outdoor connection. The landscaping incorporates Florida-friendly plants and water-wise irrigation practices to articulate the outdoor spaces. Tree canopies create ceilings, hedges create walls, shrubs accent the rooms and hardscape elements form the floor. The result is an outdoor area of six unique spaces.