Three Landscapes, One Vision
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Overlooking Sarasota Bay, Seathru House reflects the vision of a young couple returning to their hometown to create a modern, family-oriented retreat. The original mid-century modern structure on the site was replaced with a thoughtfully designed home that balances openness and privacy while celebrating its stunning bayfront location. The design features a separated program that creates three distinct outdoor environments: a sweeping backyard with views of the bay and Lido Key, a private courtyard nestled between the main house and guest house for the children to play, and a serene landscape framed by grasses and ferns surrounding the northern and eastern facades.
The architecture emphasizes lightness and connection, with clerestory windows separating roofs from walls, steel columns tapering to delicate knife plates, and cantilevered slabs hovering inches above the ground. The entry sequence invites exploration, as a large gate opens into the courtyard, which serves as an outdoor foyer leading to the main house. Inside, the floating staircase and monolithic plinth continue the home’s interplay of solidity and airiness. Every space, including the guesthouse at the far eastern edge, is carefully oriented to maximize views of the bay, blending modern elegance with thoughtful functionality. Seathru House is a testament to contemporary design rooted in its natural surroundings.
client/owner
Private Client
Project information
location
Sarasota, FL
size
4,052 SF
Status
Completed in 2018
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