Architect Steffani Drass Creates A Sarasota Sanctuary Embodying Indoor-Outdoor Living
Roughly 200 miles from their home in Miami, architect Steffani Drass’ clients discovered a magnificent, secluded site in Sarasota. The waterfront lot offered not only alluring privacy but also phenomenal views of the Gulf, the ideal setting they envisioned for a resort-like getaway.
The husband and wife, however, weren’t the only intended residents. Rather, there were also canines to consider, as the owners wanted to raise guide dogs on the property. “It was all about the dogs,” Drass says. “They needed elevation changes, tactile surfaces underfoot, water features and zones to prepare them for different living environments.”
Before any concept could be constructed, though, one notable problem had to be addressed: The grounds were overtaken by invasive Australian pines. “We wanted to retain some native palm and canopy trees,” recalls landscape designer Tim Borden, “but those pines needed to be removed—and there were hundreds, if not thousands.” Once hauled away, he introduced drought-tolerant species such as sea grape, wax myrtle, beauty berry, southern red cedars and silver saw palmettos—all dog-friendly choices, of course.
Home Details
Architecture: Steffani Drass, Trop Architecture
Interior Design: Steffani Drass, Trop Architecture and Tom Bendt, Bendt Inc.
Home Builder: Bruce Saba, BW Saba Custom Builders
Landscape Architecture: Tim Borden, Borden Landscape Design
Just as the landscaping needed to withstand a harsh coastal environment, Drass recognized the architecture must be equally formidable. “Because the house is in a flood zone, the owners wanted to make it as resilient as possible,” she says. Her plans, executed with general contractor Bruce Saba, called for elevating the structure on pilings more than 19 feet above sea level, which flood proof the main living level while allowing direct beach access beyond the property’s front gate. “You see the ocean through the center underbelly of the residence,” the architect notes. Behind the scenes, the abode incorporates 10 Tesla power walls and renewable energy sources, including solar power and geothermal heating and cooling.
Aesthetically, the home combines a West Indies style with a coastal-island sensibility. “The clients wanted a stately, symmetrical design, with a grand, curvilinear exterior staircase,” Drass describes. Shiplap siding, olive Bahama shutters, coral stone columns, Shellcrete flooring, large overhangs and powder-coated aluminum railings convey the look. Garages flank both sides of the structure, and a guesthouse shares a standing-seam metal roof with the main residence, masquerading as one building.
The ambience continues inside, where an airy great room boasts 15-foot-high cypress ceilings and 10-foot-high sliding glass doors framing broad water views. Ironwood from the pulled Australian pines was repurposed into elements such as the living area’s bookshelves and fireplace hearth. Designer Tom Bendt, who had outfitted the couple’s previous two homes, assisted Drass here, incorporating pieces like an existing white leather sectional and armchairs that harmonize with their new environment. “The owners were moving from a classic-looking house,” he says. “We had to make their traditional furniture work in this modern, sleek setting.” Leathered white marble flooring echoes the exteriors’ tone and grounds a muted palette, with soft blues and greens enlivening select countertops and furnishings. Yet perhaps the most thoughtful gesture honors the wife’s passion for pastry-baking: The team created two kitchens—a presentation area in the great room for hosting and another more private cook space for preparing dishes out of view from guests.
But at this property, the outside is the most alluring draw. “I think there’s more outdoor space than indoor,” Drass observes. “We wanted to take advantage of being right on the Gulf and facing west toward beautiful sunsets.” To that end, a connected terrace runs the length of the structure while shading the open lower level; overhanging brise-soleils deflect sunlight from the pathway, protecting bare feet and paws. The ground floor offers gathering areas aplenty, including a generous loggia and poolside seating. “I don’t know if I’ve ever built a residence that has quite as many places to relax as this one,” Saba muses. A bubbling water fountain, crafted from blocks of granite, creates a soothing backdrop and helps mask distractions during guide dog training sessions.
Altogether, the home exemplifies the best of the Southwest Florida’s laid-back, indoor-outdoor lifestyle. “The connection between environments was important,” Drass says. “This was about being able to throw the doors open and have the property live as one area, blurring the line between inside and outside.”
