Architecture and construction by Thomas Melhorn. Interior design by Betsy Brown.
For years, Liz and Neal – who are cheese importers and have their primary residence in New Jersey – used to spend their winters in Florida to enjoy the sunny weather. They recently realized that they dreamed of having their own home in this region that they love.
They went to Christian Thomas and John Melhorn from the desktop Thomas Melhorn so that they designed an ideal home where they could relax and spend their vacations with their adult children.
Located in Juniper Island, en Florida, the property was built to take advantage of the views of the Atlantic Ocean from almost every space. It was one of the key points of the design that also favors natural light in the interior thanks to the plaster walls that capture and reflect the rays of the sun, from dawn to dusk.
Instead of a classical organization of the different living areas with a square or rectangular shape, the architects of Thomas Melhorn they conceived a plan around the room to allow the family and their guests, meet casually and feel the fluidity between inside and outside.
Unlike traditional Florida homes, this home was influenced by wabi-sabi lifestyle in addition to focusing on functionality. Made with thin beams and curves to create large arches, the roofs provide shade and protect from the wind.
Inside, the wooden beams were lightly painted to preserve and enhance the natural essence of the material while copper elements will oxidize over time and will have a bluish hue that blends in with the colors of the ocean.
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