Elements

For thousands of years, the four elements have been the subject of various conceptual interpretations by many cultures. However, in Asian cultures, water, air, earth, and fire are often seen as incarnating spiritual connections. Instead of concentrating on their material existence, their physical and tactile attributes are perceived for their sensory qualities. Early Buddhist texts describe the four elements as being connected to the sensory aspects of solidity, fluidity, temperature, and mobility. In Japan, under the influence of the indigenous religion Shintoism, water is believed to incarnate the purity and pliant simplicity of life. It is also thought to be the primary force in life.

In Florida, the four elements are transcended through the subtropical macro-climate that embodies humidity (water), heat (fire), breezes (air) emanating from the surrounding waters, and dense tropical vegetation (earth). Reacting to this contextual aspect, the design of the house capitalizes on the site’s micro-climate scale. It catalyzes and develops sensory responses that can be felt, perceived, seen, and heard.

The u-shape plan of the house maximizes the interiors’ exposure to the exterior soft and hardscapes surrounding the entire home to create a feeling of being immersed in nature. The large sliding glass doors on each side of the house and the homogeneous continuation of the interior flooring to the exterior reinforce this boundless experience. Bodies of water are strategically located on the prevalent side of the incoming winds and along the sliding glass doors. As breezes pass across the water's surface, the warm air is cooled as it enters the house, traversing the interior spaces through cross-ventilation. The upper roof overhangs block the Florida sun and subsequent heat from entering the home. At the ground level, sliding screens can be manually positioned to regulate heat, light, and glare.

Location:
Lido Shores | Sarasota, Florida

Status:
Unbuilt Design