HIGHLAND COURTYARD TOWNHOMES
St. Petersburg, Florida
 

Inspired by the Town Homes in Ancient Pompeii of the second century B.C. The urban houses in Pompeii were arranged on narrow streets and boxed in on all sides. In order to create privacy the gardens were brought into the center of the home, instead of being around the perimeter as in traditional villas of the same time period. These private gardens became the heart of these houses, bringing in natural light complete with fountains, pools, and lush vegetable gardens. 

In this modern interpretation, the two story buildings will have their own private gardens with all major spaces having unobstructed views. Currently several design options are available for the courtyards, including trellises, hot spas, koi ponds, or a Japanese themed bamboo meditation garden. All units will include two-car garages with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.

This project is located in a Neighborhood Design Review area as designated by the City of St. Petersburg. Originally, there was intense pressure to make the new buildings blend with the predominantly Craftsman single family homes. The neighborhood is a mixture of Craftsman, with some Art Deco and Art Moderne buildings around the perimeter. We felt that a modern interpretation of Art Moderne fit the urban scale of this project without resorting to faux materials. After working closely with the City of St. Petersburg Planning Department they offered the following recommendation at the Environmental Development Commission hearing;
“The project evokes a "modern interpretation" of 1960s design featuring vertically and horizontally oriented architectural features."This is a well-designed urban project. The architecture is neat, a nice departure from the Mediterranean Revival so prevalent in the city," said Philip Lazzara, a city planner.“ (St. Petersburg Times, Townhouse project evokes 1960s style: [STATE Edition, SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA. St. Petersburg Times. St. Petersburg, Fla.: Mar 6, 2005. pg. 18)

Currently, the building materials on the major facades are intended to be scored ground face masonry, redwood, brick planters, with glass block at main entrance and master bathroom to offer privacy. These materials were chosen to convey an elegant/earthy texture to the project and offer the homeowner low maintenance with lasting beauty.