Perched between Lido Key and mainland Sarasota, Bird Key is an exclusive community for homeowners who enjoy the luxury of living on a private island, without sacrificing the conveniences that a bustling downtown offers. Residential designer Michael Bade, of HausDesign Studio, enjoys designing homes in this enclave. “The HOA is very accommodating and open to unique designs,” he says.
Most of the 501 homesites on the island are waterfront—situated on Sarasota Bay itself or on one of the deep-water canals that crisscross the key. Bade presented the owners of this arc-shaped waterfront lot a unique contemporary design that mimics the flow of the property lines and maximizes the property’s sunny exposure. “The house almost formed itself as I came up with ideas on how to capture the natural light,” Bade continues.
Numerous floor-to-ceiling windows, transoms, and disappearing sliders accomplish Bades’ goals. In the living room, the walls stop shy of the ceiling, allowing sunlight to pour through the transom windows by day, with up-lighting to wash the ceiling by night.
The home is filled with custom touches that tell a story, according to designer Punit Patel. “The owners sourced accessories locally,” explains Patel. “For example, sisal baskets made by residents of a village in Kenya generate monies that go back into the community. This way, the client is not just buying stuff out of a catalog, they are making a global impact with their décor choices.”
“These homeowners knew exactly what they wanted to achieve,” says builder Steve Murray. “They just needed guidance in putting the right team together to accomplish that.” Building a wide house with lots of glass always presents challenges with the sun, heat and other elements, Murray concludes. “But we overcame them, and the end result is fantastic!”
The bronze tones of the standing seam metal roof, the fixed plate glass windows, and the overhead trellis contrast nicely with the off-white exterior. Limestone tile warms the center tower. A double planter provides the opportunity to grow a natural privacy screen in the lower level. Wicked Smart Homes installed the home’s integrated automation.
A curved Dudi sectional from Lazzoni defines the living area; a pair of Ada armchairs completes the setting which overlooks the water’s edge. Four Carola chairs from Andreu World encircle a custom dining table. Assorted pendant lamps from the Beat collection by Tom Dixon illuminate the dining area.
The floors throughout the lower level are poured concrete, warmed up with a white additive and polished to a soft gleam. The fully integrated kitchen is a clean contemporary gloss-white finish. A trio of Bouchon-SGB bar stools from Domitalia with lacquered steel frames and regenerated cork seats are tucked under the waterfall quartz kitchen island with Zebra wood hood and gas cooktop. Counter chairs from Cherner provide seating at a separate casual dining counter with Zebra wood base. Appliances are from Monark Premium Appliances.
In contrast to the concrete floors in the main living area, the guest living area features warm wood flooring from International Wood Floors. A twodoor, two-drawer Dang console and Cleon medium sofa plus sectional from Blu Dot delineate the space. A Captain Flint floor lamp from Flos provides lighting. The Paperback 120 wall system from Luminaire creates a focal point. Four masters’ chairs from Kartell surround the Sprout café table from Blu Dot.
The infinity-edge pool spills over a retaining wall faced with ribbed tile and the lanai and pool deck are floored with concrete shell tile with an aggregate. The lanai ceiling is tongue-and-groove cypress. Hot Mesh chairs from Blu Dot and a Petal table from Knoll offer outside seating. The entire setting sits just feet from the water’s edge equipped with a dock and seawall protection from Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift.
Written by Ginny Cooper Photography by Ryan Gamma
Contemporary Cabinetry & Closet Concepts 1312 North Lime Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941.951.6400 www.ContemporaryCabinetsSrq.com
Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift 1714 Independence Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34234 941.351.1553 www.duncanseawall.com
HausDesign Studio Sarasota, FL 34236 941.580.4603 www.hausdesignstudio.com
International Wood Floors 8260 Vico Court, Unit A Sarasota, FL 34240 941-366-4131 www.internationalwoodfloorssrq.com
Monark Premium Appliance Co. 5670 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34232 941.926.0700 www.monarkhome.com
Wicked Smart Homes 527 South Pineapple Avenue, Suite A Sarasota, FL 34236 941.928.0343 www.wickedsmarthomes.com
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