Residential Architecture Should Consider the Context, Location & Environment of a Home.
Unlike other places in the country, Florida summers are characterized by an intense rainy season and extremely high temperatures. Careful consideration must be given to these climate conditions in the design of the home.
Orlando Custom Home Builder Jorge Ulibarri designs his own interpretation of Florida Modern that embraces the characteristic rectilinear facade with subtle roof elevations to accommodate the region’s subtropical climate. “Flat roofs work great in other regions of the nation, but here in Florida, heavy precipitation and strong UV rays shorten the lifespan of some of the water proofing materials including roof membranes and sealants. Flat roofs don’t drain as easily as sloped or pitched roofs. The rooflines I design have a subtle pitch crafted of flat concrete tile to promote drainage yet still preserve the rectilinear style,” explains Jorge, who is finishing up two Florida Modern custom residences, one on Markham Woods Road in Lake Mary and the other in Lake Markham Preserve in Sanford.
The Lake Markham Preserve home in Sanford overlooks a large ski and boating lake with its own dock. The home is designed to wrap around the lake view and drink in natural light through two-story windows.
“Modern homes are known for their large walls of glass but in Florida, due to our high temperatures, we need to find a balance. I design tall windows spanning from the floor to the ceiling that speak the visual language of contemporary architecture without overheating the home and compromising the comfort factor.”
In the Lake Mary custom residence, large second-story windows act as skylights illuminating the main living spaces without overheating them. “Large rectangular glass windows on the facade and the front door’s horizontal frosted glass panels infuse a lot of natural light into the foyer and family room, while sliding glass doors and a two-story trio of windows on the back of the home capture natural light as the sun shifts throughout the day. “
Other expressions of Florida Modern architectural style include stacked stone or ledge stone on the exterior and interior of the home. White ledgestone is used on the facade of the Lake Mary home and echoed in the interior on the double-height fireplace.
In the Sanford home, a slate gray ledge stone embellishes many interior and exterior features and ties the living spaces together. “Stone visually warms up the space as a natural material juxtaposed with popular contemporary-styled, man made materials and finishes such as chrome and lacquer.
Lighting choices also convey a particular interpretation of contemporary style from minimalist to midcentury modern. One home references space age, Googie-inspired influences with starburst and globe lighting fixtures while the other home nods to art and sculpture with its lighting choices.
Florida Modern style is a balancing act of design elements and materials that make a space warm and inviting yet sleek, clean and sophisticated.
For more design ideas and inspiration give Jorge Ulibarri a call at 407-733-5500 to discuss your custom home and subscribe to Orlando Custom Home Builder Jorge Ulibarri’s video series, Trade Secrets
