Living Art on Florida’s Coast
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Nestled on a serene bayou, The Binnacle is an abstract, glass-enclosed home that blends bold architectural forms with functional living spaces. Designed to reflect the clients’ vision of a "piece of art" where "every inch of space" serves a purpose, the structure juxtaposes striking white geometric volumes against the Florida sky. This unique home balances whimsy and sophistication, creating an environment that celebrates the clients' playful spirit and their desire for seamless connections to the surrounding landscape.
To meet coastal construction requirements, the home is elevated nearly 20 feet above the mean high-water line while maintaining the feel of "water-level living." A sweeping, curved wall forms both the roof and a protective barrier from neighboring properties, framing expansive views of the mangroves and bayou. The arched design provides deep overhangs, shading the glass-enclosed spaces from Florida's intense sunlight, while ensuring a harmonious blend of natural light and cooling shade throughout the home.
Inside, the architecture plays with linear forms and curves, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes and volumes. The floating white oak loft and carefully tucked geometric spaces invite discovery at every turn, while expansive windows provide uninterrupted water views from every room. The result is a home that artfully merges form and function, offering an inspiring living space that is as practical as it is extraordinary.
client/owner
Private Client
Project information
location
Longboat Key, FL
size
2,500 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