LidoDeckHaus

Few locals know the meaning of the word Lido, namesake of the famed barrier island off of Sarasota, Fl. Lido Beach gained fame as the playground, perhaps even swimming pool, for Sarasota’s most famous developer, John Ringling. Ringling saw the beautiful locale as an amazing resort area. His vision became a reality and now Lido Beach is a world-class resort destination.

The clients who commissioned this masterpiece had a vision of their own. They wanted their own resort. It started with the purchase of a very unique lot just around the corner from St. Armand’s Circle. Very few lots in Florida boast unobstructed Gulf beach views in the front and boat-able canal frontage in the rear. Almost none can make that claim within walking distance of the famous shops and restaurants of St. Armand’s. This lot has it all! Still, with so many great options for views, it proved difficult to create a design that offered the necessary livability that a young family requires while maintaining every possible view. Prior to the start of design, we rented a lift and observed the views from every possible elevation allowed by code. Starting with the minimum required FEMA flood elevation; we shot every desired view and noted the angle, all of the way to the City’s maximum height restriction. Lido Beach and its azure blue water was visible even at the natural grade. The higher we went, the more we saw. The mouth of Big Pass to the south, the canal opening behind Bird Key to the east, Ritz Carlton and the downtown skyline to the northeast and North Lido Beach to the northwest.

It was clear. This home needed different viewing decks, inside and out, to capture the many views it had to offer. Leader Design Studios was hired to facilitate the design. The first floor front would focus on Lido Beach while the rear, canal frontage, would feature a lido of its own. An inspired exterior pool/spa area complete with a daybed, bar and several covered and open-air porches set the tone. The design is a modern one with hints of inspiration from the cliff hanging homes on the island of Mikonos. Most of the roof areas are actually usable deck space and each offers its own unique view of Sarasota, our lido deck and Lido Beach. Warm interior finishes and amazing attention to detail make an incredible framework for the focused views offered by the generous window openings. There is little concern for daylight heating through these openings though. Every effort was made to reduce this home’s energy requirements.

It is efficient, durable, healthy and respectful of the environment. Like all of my homes, this home is