SEASIDE, FLORIDA
"Summer Solstice," a vacation house and future retirement
residence, is located in the Florida Gulf coast community of
Seaside. At 4,750 square feet, "Summer Solstice" is one of
the largest houses in Seaside. The organization of the house
reflects the owner's desire for a single structure divided into a main
wing and a separate guest wing which can be locked off for privacy.
The two "swept back" wings, united by the central four-story
entrance tower, are a response to the irregular shape of the site and to
the axial approach along one of the town's principal avenues.
To take better advantage of views to the Gulf and sea breezes, the communal living spaces are located on the ground floor. An open breezeway separates the main and guest wings and affords access to the back yard. Throughout the house, decks and porches extend the interior spaces to the outside. A spiral stair to the top of the tower provides a spectacular view of the town and the Gulf of Mexico beyond.