ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Sarasota County Beach Pavilions in Florida by Sweet Sparkman ArchitectsJuly 11th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Sweet Sparkman Architects This project is a series of commissioned beach-side park restroom pavilions. Each of these pavilions share a common design signature. The design team used an abstract version of sea-oats, vegetation synonymous with the gulf beaches of Sarasota, to create a continuous theme in the façade. The abstract use of ‘sea-oats’ as a screen element was used to unite the ramp with the building rather than having the ramp appear to be an appendage to the design. The wood ramp system is suspended from the cast-in-place concrete roof slab with stainless steel rods. As one ascends the ramp, the natural preserve encloses the building volumes which are oriented to provide enhanced views of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.
These Beach Park Pavilions provide new ADA compliant restroom facilities built to withstand hurricane force winds. Each are elevated above the FEMA elevation with handicap accessible ramps. They contain group toilet rooms with a separate family restrooms, a small space for turtle patrol volunteers and multi-function rooms. These pavilions have sustainable design features that include clerestory louvers for passive ventilation, cisterns for rainwater collection and skylights for daylight harvesting. Cement-fiber siding, cast-in-place concrete and aluminum tubes ‘sea-oats’ are the exterior materials selected for their ability to withstand the waterfront environment and seasonal weather. The gently sloping roof forms recalls the legacy and history of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Each pavilion provides spectacular views of Sarasota’s uniquely beautiful beaches and waterways while continuing this heritage of distinctive beachfront civic architecture. Contact Sweet Sparkman Architects
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