Beach House holiday retreat nears completion - Florida, USA

In Spring 2018, integrated design and operations consultancy for the built environment, Bryden Wood confirmed it was nearing completion of the Beach House holiday retreat in Florida. Construction began in April 2016.

The house structure has already demonstrated its stability, surviving both the 130mph winds during the storm of Hurricane Matthew, and the more recent Hurricane Irma. The house is protected by a dune built in 2016, which performed as intended, effectively protecting the house and site.

During the initial stages, the exposed concrete and steel structure that characterises the architectural form of the house, were built up to the first-floor level. The following months saw the erection of the first-floor steel columns, exposed concrete roof level beams and a roof slab, before the construction moved towards the enclosure of the building envelope, formed by over 120 mph wind impact resistant window and sliding door panels. Of interest is the central stair, which is being constructed by a marine engineering / manufacturing specialist. This will be operated by hydraulic pistons to lift and open up the central entrance foyer, to become an entertaining space adjacent to the living and kitchen areas.

Paul O’Neill, Bryden Wood Board Director, Architecture commenting said: “We were extremely pleased, but not surprised that the structure has stood up to not one, but two hurricanes. There was in fact, no water ingress to the completed parts of the envelope at all. The hurricane winds were extreme and destructive all over Florida, but well below what the house is designed to withstand. However, this was a very real test. In terms of our overall approach to the brief, our design responds to the client’s needs using their industrial profession to execute an experimental architectural solution, sensitive to both the end user and the site. The house is a continuation of the themes explored by Bryden Wood in the clients home, using similar design ideologies, arranged as a linear building with separate wings connected via a central, double height space also acting as the main entrance. Visually the central part of the house flows as a single entity linking the kitchen, living area and library as a single continuous, fluid space. Two interconnecting central platforms lead to the second floor and roof. We are delighted with the progress made, particularly given the adverse weather conditions we have faced.”

Bryden Wood was founded in 1995 by Mark Bryden and Martin Wood. It has grown into a 180+ strong architecture and integrated design company, whose activities span from analysis and business strategy, through architecture and engineering. The business is operated on solution based strategy and a fascination with construction methodology detail-derived aesthetic. The retained client base has increased to include many blue-chip clients across a range of sectors. Bryden Wood has become the UK leader in off-site design and systemisation and has recently entered new markets including the Far East and Africa.

Paul O'Neill, Bryden Wood Board Director, Architecture joined Bryden Wood in 2000. He currently leads architectural and multidisciplinary design teams working on projects which are at the forefront of innovative design, and is involved in all stages of the design and construction process, from inception to completion. Paul’s design capabilities, broad knowledge of construction techniques and experience in delivering highly complex projects, have enabled the realisation of a diverse range of projects. Paul also ensures quality, efficiency and added value is delivered throughout the company. Paul has extensive knowledge of the planning system and has delivered numerous approvals for a range of clients across many sectors. This includes projects with complex phasing requirements, in terms of both future expandability and adaptability.