Crowe’s Nest – Withlacoochee, FL

Home Addition

Looking to add to their picturesque home on the river, the clients sought to enhance the outdoor experience with a raised porch and deck, as well as a carport and pavilion. The covered carport leads directly to a wooden walkway that exists over a lush forest of ferns. The abundance of trees and natural landscaping on this site generated many different elements for this addition, such as these angled roof structures that mimic the natural rise and fall of the site.

The newly proposed interior walls (seen below in yellow) create more privacy within the home as the space around it was redesigned to be more open to the outdoors. The existing boathouse was remodeled to provide extra storage and act as a pavilion for gatherings.

Connecting to the Withlacoochee River

The name Withlacoochee is derived from Creek, meaning “Little Big Water,” and the river is unique in that it is one of the few rivers that flows from south to north. This scenic river is home to many species of wildlife, and its crystal blue water magnifies the beauty of this property. The roof opens up to the river, allowing for the family to enjoy and use this space for daily living. The various angles in the overhead structures shed rainwater away from the home and provide ample shade, ensuring that the outdoor space can be enjoyed in all kinds of weather. Additionally, there is a cistern to the side of the pavilion which catches rainwater from that roof.

The integration of the decks and the home allow for a seamless transition between inside and outside. By creating a tiered upper deck, the view of the trees and the river are not obstructed by the wooden railings. The stairs lead down to the lower deck, where the pavilion and docks join the river to the rest of the home.

The river not only connects to the home through the built space, but also through view. The many windows in the home congregate southwest to face the river. Below is the view from the bathroom, where the river can be enjoyed from inside the home.