Passive Design as Foundation
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The Myakka Farmhouse began with the notion of using passive sustainable practices as a baseline of design prior to integrating active systems. Breaking apart the programmatic spaces of the home (living, sleeping, and storage) and creating exterior circulation between these volumes resulted in smaller masses to cool. This also created two ‘breezeways’ between the volumes, capturing the predominant east-west breezes and generating comfortable exterior spaces.
The volumes are unified by one large roof, with generous overhangs on the west façade. Expansive overhangs shade the glass at a 1:1 ratio, providing natural daylighting, minimizing heat gain, and creating a comfortable outdoor living environment under roof. These measures reduce the energy load of the house, which is then complemented with the 17kw solar array located on the property and fully automated LED lighting within the home. Long overhangs are ideal in our Florida climate, and we seek to integrate them into our design intent for that purpose.
The project sits on a working 40-acre ranch, and connecting the home to the land in terms of its sustainable functions was just as important to the client as pairing the living spaces with the fantastic views their property affords. The property’s site drainage was re-graded to retain 100% of its stormwater, creating a natural lake vista that we oriented the house towards.
client/owner
Private Client
Project information
location
Myakka City, FL
size
3,135 SF
Status
Completed in 2019
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.
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