300 Woodrest is a strategically elevated home for a new family looking to live in an established, family-friendly, but flood-prone neighborhood in South Florida.

Located in a flood zone, the first challenge was to elevate the first level 4 ft from the street elevation, Not enough to have a full ground level, but still high to be challenging.

Within the tight lot, we also had additional outdoor activities requirements, such as a pool and outdoor kitchen with dining space.

Therefore we design the house around a central staircase with half-height levels accessible from each of the stair's landing.

This allowed that one side - the half-level side - to elevate the ceiling from four to eight feet, sufficient space for a carport and the outdoor kitchen.

Results:

The use of half heights allowed the project to maximize the lot area and include space for outdoor activities that otherwise wouldn't be allowed.
A modern, contemporary-look facade with a central breezeway to connect the different levels with plenty of balconies and planter spaces.
The family was happy they could get most if not all their requirements to live in their dream neighborhood without sacrificing outdoor area or having to wait for a larger lot to accommodate their wants.