The Rees Schulaner House . Siesta Key, Florida.

As a Seibert design from 1961, located in Sandy Hook, this house is associated with Sarasota’s modern movement, the Sarasota School of Architecture. This house demonstrates the regional environmental responses of this movement, an open plan with flat roofs and deep overhangs above large expanses of glass.  Strong indoor-to-outdoor connections are emphasized, along with the expression of structural systems and use of local standardized materials included stacked masonry units, plywood paneling, sliding glass doors, terrazzo, milled lumber, and timbers.  The horizontality of the design blends well with the flat Florida landscape. 

As with many of the Sarasota School homes, the primary requirement was to live close to the environment, as widespread use of air conditioning was not as ubiquitous as today.  Capitalizing on the prevailing sea breezes and integrating the native landscape as part of the living spaces creates comfortable, habitable rooms.   All living spaces adjacent to the screened entry courtyard and/or screened porches allow for cross ventilation and natural light. It is a mid-century example of sustainable design practices, focused on occupant comfort and utilization of local building materials

In 2014, the house was restored and remodeled with a focus on reinvigorating the original finishes and introducing modern conveniences.  Seth Schulaner was the interior designer for this work.

This home continues to be relevant in today’s world of environmental consciousness.  It remains a model of how to live close to the environment, while enjoying current conveniences and technologies.

Photographer: Jacob Termansen