The Denton House . Lido Key, Florida.

This existing builder house from the 60’s possessed a unique roof structure and other interesting elements worth saving.  The Owner wanted to enhance the experience of living in the house, add a new bathroom and replace the worn-out kitchen. 

With the vegetation on site and the Owner’s sculpture collection in mind, the concept of an open pavilion in the garden was developed.  This concept allowed us to make the most out of the existing elements and to open the house to the landscape for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.  Incorporation of the Owner’s many art objects, paintings and sculptures would be important in the design of the additions and modifications to the house and grounds. 

The front wall of the Living/Dining area was replaced with floor to ceiling windows. The view through the screened porch to the pool area in the rear was opened up by removing screen carrying members and allowing the new screening to span from post to post and floor to roof beam.  A screened door spanning post to post is incorporated for easy access to the pool area.  Now, in lieu of looking into the screened porch one looks through it into the landscape beyond.

These modifications effectively transformed the main body of the house into an open space positioned between the front and rear landscape. The new front and rear hardscape is related to the module of the roof structure, provides extended views from within the house and is a home for the owner’s sculpture collection visible from the interior of the house. 

The new bath and kitchen, new appliances and fixtures, new and reinvigorated existing finishes, and the removal of years of accumulated electrical clutter all contribute to making a great place to live in close contact with the outdoor environment.

Photographer: Greg Wilson