Fluid Architecture for Coastal Living
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Nestled on a Gulf to Bay barrier island, the Blackburn Bay Residence reimagines contemporary architecture by breaking free from the conventional "white modern boxes" that dominate the area’s landscape. Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, the home creates a fluid dialogue between land and water, architecture and nature. The "split level hugger plan" reflects a hybrid approach, drawing inspiration from suburban split-level designs and courtyard configurations. Elevated to meet FEMA floodplain requirements and coastal resiliency standards, the structure embodies a thoughtful response to the island’s unique environmental challenges.
The residence pays homage to the coastal landscape, with its eastern boundary framed by mangroves and brackish waters of the bay and its western edge leading to the Gulf’s sandy shores. This design is an exploration of southwest Florida’s natural habitats, integrating native elements like beach grasses and sea grape trees into the architectural narrative. Nonorthogonal forms and gently curving lines create an elegant interplay between the built and natural environments. Carefully chosen materials, including stucco, tabby, wood, and concrete, ensure the home’s resilience against the coastal climate while reinforcing its connection to the island’s character.
The seamless integration of the residence with its environment extends to the landscape design, which flows around and under the home, erasing the boundaries between indoors and out. Roof planes hover and taper, while soffits frame spaces that feel both open and contained, fostering a sense of harmony and fluidity. The Blackburn Bay Residence is a testament to the art of architecture that respects its context, creating a timeless retreat that is as resilient as it is inspiring.
client/owner
Private Client
Project information
location
Casey Key, FL
size
4,510 SF
Status
Completed in 2023
Jerry Sparkman, a founding principal of Sweet Sparkman Architecture, has been crafting resilient, thoughtful designs since the firm's inception in 2002. His work reflects a deep understanding of the coastal environment, emphasizing the integration of local culture, history, and long-term community growth. Jerry’s design philosophy—“respect the land and the people, and the rest will follow”—is exemplified in projects like The Bay Park in Sarasota, where he has merged innovative design with environmental stewardship to create vibrant public spaces. His portfolio spans high-end residential projects, public parks, higher education facilities, and community spaces, all shaped by active listening and a meticulous approach to financial, physical, social, and environmental factors. With a belief that nature provides unlimited inspiration, Jerry continues to create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while meeting the needs of diverse communities.
Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB
Hannah Boehmer, AIA
As Design Director, Hannah brings a thoughtful, site-responsive approach to architecture that prioritizes clarity, sustainability, and a deep respect for existing structures. Originally from Cocoa Beach, Hannah earned her Master of Architecture from the University of South Florida in 2014. Her early exposure to construction—watching her parents transform their 1950s block home—sparked a lasting fascination with how buildings evolve over time. Today, that interest shapes her passion for reimagining and adapting space rather than replacing it.
Her design work emphasizes climate-responsive strategies tailored to Florida’s coastal environment and is guided by a belief that architecture should balance beauty with function. Hannah’s academic and professional accolades include a 2019 AIA Florida Theoretical and Research Design Merit Award for her graduate thesis on Florida vernacular architecture, and a second-place finish in the 2021 Architecture Sarasota Tiny House Competition.
Outside the studio, Hannah is an avid reader, writer, and member of the Junior League of Sarasota—a training organization dedicated to volunteerism and women’s professional development. These creative and civic pursuits offer her a valuable perspective on design’s role within broader communities.
Designed in Collaboration With Hello June Creative.
Ⓒ Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors 2025, All Rights Reserved. License: AR0015832