The D. H. Ellison Co.

Home Improvement Professionals , Architects & Building Designers , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
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The D. H. Ellison Co.
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A new house on the beach

Sanibel Island is a favorite spot for people who like Florida but want a relaxed and informal life. Wildlife sanctuaries and natural beauty surround the tropical enclave. Along W. Gulf Drive, older beach cottages, built before much concern over rising sea levels and more severe weather events, have become obsolete and are gradually being replaced with more sustainable, better quality homes. This new house has room for visiting children and guests and a pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Project Year: 2017
Country: United States
A view of the house from the street with bougainvilleas in bloom
House on the beach
The house as seen from the front driveway
House on the beach
The house and pool sit high above the sea level according to strict federal and state requirments, but the height of the dune and the sea grapes in the foreground disguise the true height of the structure. The bottom of the augercast concrete piles are about 55 feet below the water level, making...
House on the beach
Formwork for the gradebeams is placed on top of the underground augercast piles which are about 55 feet deep.
House on the beach
reinforced concrete is placed in the formwork
House on the beach
concrete piers are formed on top of the gradebeams
House on the beach
The horizontal beam that sits on top of the concrete piers is set at the requisite height for the lowest structural member of the house. This height is determined by the federal and state regulatory agencies.
House on the beach
concrete planks are set on top of the reinforced concrete beams and pier structure to form the first floor of the house
House on the beach
The level of the concrete floor responds to the natural height of the sand dune along the beach. This understory of the house is maintained free of living space.
House on the beach
This type of Simpson connector ties the wooden frame of the upper house to the concrete structure below. This is necessary to resist hurricane force winds.
House on the beach
Metal hurricane straps tie the roof trusses, top plate and window and door headers to the wood frame walls.
House on the beach
welded steel frames are incorporated into the wood framing so that the structure, with its large expanses of glass, will withstand strong lateral forces imposed by hurricane-force winds.
House on the beach
One of the welded steel frames used to resist lateral forces from the wind.
House on the beach
Spray foam insulation makes the cooling of the house much more efficient.
House on the beach
The systems in the home are completely automated and can be monitored and controlled remotely.
House on the beach
The living room has a panoramic view of the Florida sunsets.
House on the beach
House on the beach
The living and dining areas open onto a screened porch and pool deck
House on the beach
Kitchen window and island
House on the beach
The hall between living rooms and bedrooms overlooking the pool deck and the Gulf of Mexico.
House on the beach
sunset on the second floor deck
House on the beach
the swimming pool and hot tub at night
House on the beach
Outdoor Shower and a place to wash the sand from your feet
House on the beach
Sanibel Island has strict zoning rules regarding the obstruction of light that new structures can impose on neighbors. The new house fits within the allowable building envelope and does not cast large shadows on its neighbors. Turtles build their nests in the beach so night-time lighting is...
House on the beach