SUROF HOUSE

Anna Maria, Florida

Perched quietly on a narrow lot between the Gulf of Mexico and Anna Maria Sound, the Surof House creates sensorial connections to the surrounding water while remaining resilient in the face of coastal storms. What began as a renovation of a small, weathered beach shack ultimately became the construction of a new home designed to withstand extreme conditions while preserving the old Florida character of its predecessor.

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Drawing from the wood construction and simple geometries typical of the island’s ramshackle beach houses, the design pairs familiar forms with storm-resistant materials and restrained, minimalist detailing. The house becomes a protective container for the family’s long history on the site, which dates back to the 1930s.

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Living spaces are elevated fifteen feet above grade on concrete piers, safeguarding the home from storm surge. Inside, exposed roof trusses and whitewashed surfaces lend a sense of openness to the home’s compact footprint. A wide, covered porch, supported by a slender steel column, extends the living space outward and frames expansive views of the Gulf.

Though newly built, the house remains closely connected to its predecessor. Built-in cabinetry incorporates small niches for family heirlooms, while salvaged elements — interior doors and colorful beadboard — establish a tactile and visual connection to the home’s past.