A Modern Chapter for a Historic Home
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Located in the historic village of Longboat Key, Schoolhouse Modern is a thoughtful renovation and expansion of a 1926 wood-frame structure originally built as a one-room schoolhouse. Over the decades, portions of the home’s wraparound porches were enclosed, gradually transforming the building into a single-family residence. The design challenge was to restore the home’s relationship to the landscape while adding a modern, elevated primary suite that meets current FEMA floodplain requirements.
The renovation opened up the existing structure, replacing a living room wall with large sliding glass doors and converting an enclosed porch into a light-filled study with floor-to-ceiling glazing. These changes restored sightlines and reestablished a connection to the surrounding property. The new primary suite—elevated above base flood elevation—was positioned at the northeast corner of the site to preserve a mature banyan tree. The space below the addition, enclosed for use as a workshop and storage area, maximizes function within the floodplain constraints.
Aesthetically, the project embraces contrast. While the original structure retains its 1920s Florida vernacular character, the new addition introduces contemporary materials and methods—masonry, concrete, expansive glazing, and a flat roof. Warm-toned aluminum siding adds depth and richness, highlighted by a custom mitered corner detail that eliminates typical trim for a crisp, modern finish. A glass corridor connects the old and new, allowing natural light to flow through while clearly distinguishing between eras. A complementary guest suite addition, designed in the same vocabulary as the original schoolhouse, completes the composition.
The result is a layered architectural narrative that respects the past while embracing the present—an evolution in form that reflects how homes adapt over time without losing their character.
client/owner
Private Client
Project information
location
Longboat Key, FL
size
2,040 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