FLORIDA HOUSE

DELRAY BEACH, FL
The Florida house design is a response to a program stressing flexibility in the living arrangements of potential suburban households. It is also intended as a strong response to the potentially extreme climatic conditions in southern Florida. Is is typical in construction of this type to rely on prefabricated units that are the least room size, allowing factory installation of all utilities. In this design we are seeking a smaller scales in which to enter the prefabrication process. In this design, light plywood is used in the vertical position, in prefabricated stress-skin column and beam structures, as "portals". These portals are erected on the east-west on the site. Solid portal units are used the perimeter of the enclosed spaces, while open portals are used to support structure. Because of its location on the south side of the house, the carport-entry serves as a large summer-sun-screening device. Interior partitions act as lateral braces for the portal construction method. Joists connect the portals at slightly increasing, then decreasing levels to allow gently sloping roofs to shed rainwater. The house is built on four lines of concrete footing with 4-in concrete slabs in between as floor surfaces.