The clients wanted a one-bedroom guest residence to accommodate overnight guests and family behind their main house.  It was asked that this guest house design be sited amidst low scrub oaks and other attractive, local vegetation.  The views from the guest residence were to be more intimate and provide a respite from the main house with its more heroic views South over the beach and Gulf of Mexico .  The style of the house was to be a balance between contemporary and local vernacular.  The husband intended to build and contract the house himself, and given that the project was located in a remote and inaccessible area, it was essential that all materials be transportable in a small World War II landing craft.

 The solution was to provide each of the two rooms with its own corrugated metal, pyramidal roof.  The plan of each room was laid out in a pin wheel pattern to complement and contrast these more centralized roof structures.  Corner windows were located to frame significant views of the local vegetation.  These two pavilions were then connected by a bridge/connector piece which contains the service functions.  This dual, pyramidal roof layout was actually inspired by a local barn viewed by wife, and proved an “ah-ha” moment in the resolution of a difficult and conflicting design problem.  The exterior material is horizontal, rough-cut, stained cedar siding.  The detailing, though quite refined at places, was worked out with the husband to complement his wood working abilities and availability of local labor.