Connecting Home
and Nature
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Perched above the landscape along Palma Sola Bay and the Robinson Nature Preserve, Palma Sola Modern is a serene retreat designed for a young, active family. Elevated beyond FEMA requirements, the home creates shaded outdoor living spaces below, while expansive eastern roof overhangs provide comfortable shade for elevated decks. The design emphasizes simplicity, with a one-story structure that touches the ground lightly and frames panoramic views of the surrounding bay and preserve.
The heart of the home is the Great Room, which flows seamlessly into outdoor spaces, fostering a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor living. Every room is carefully oriented to capture breathtaking views of the water, while the curved roof and balcony reinforce a strong relationship to the horizon. Elevating the structure allows the landscape to flow underneath, blending privacy, enclosure, and an uninterrupted connection to nature.
Anchored in simplicity and efficiency, Palma Sola Modern achieves a harmonious balance between functionality and beauty, offering a tranquil space that embraces its stunning surroundings. The home’s design seamlessly integrates with the environment, creating a timeless retreat that enhances its connection to nature.
client/owner
Private Client
Project information
location
Bradenton, FL
size
3,300 SF
Status
Completed in 2020
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