The property originally
consisted of a 40+ year old one-story residence located within 20 feet
of the high-water line of the Gulf of Mexico. The scope of the project
involved constructing a completely new 3,970 square foot main house
residence on the existing foundation of the original house, as well as
adding a new 1,761 square foot guesthouse structure, covered walkway and
a pool/spa. The existing residence could only be rebuilt within the
footprint of the existing house without modifications to the foundation
in order to qualify for a Florida Department of Environmental Protection
exemption. So the entire existing residence was detached from its
foundation and lifted approximately six feet so the foundation walls
could be extended and the house would then meet the required base flood
elevation. Once the required elevation was attained, the limitations for
renovating structures within flood zones were eliminated and the
structure was demolished down to the existing structural floor system
and reconstructed. The completed project now provides more protection
from possible storm surge and meets current building codes for wind
protection. The style of the home retains an Asian flavor, but it has an
updated, more comfortable floor plan and creates unparalleled view of
the Gulf of Mexico.
