Four South Florida Houses


 ROBERT B. BROWNE, AIA, GEORGE F. REED, Jr.,
 Architect Associate




1-Award-Winner on Key Biscayne .


 This house, for Mr. and Mrs. Ken-
neth McClave, won a Merit Award in
the custom house category of the
AIA's 1959 Homes for Better Living
Program. It has been widely recog-
nized as being designed so in tune
with its site and for the climate of its
locality as to be an "about perfect"
example of what people think of as
"Florida living". Yet the award jury
commented that its design seemed
"too traditional".
 Actually, this is a real, though pos-
sibly a back-handed, compliment to
the designer. He sought a proven tra-


edition in this building not one of
form or style, but one of usage, of
protection and of comfort. And in the
design of this house these traditional
elements have been admirably adapt-
ed to the needs of modern living.
 Essentially, the building is a con-
crete platform raised from the ground
to minimize effects of humidity, the
attack of insects and mildew and pos-
sible damage from ground water.
Supported by regularly spaced posts
ad a barn-like construction, the plat-
form is sheltered by a great, white-
coated roof and is screened on all four


sides. Within this enclosure, are two
living areas separated by a central
lanai which not only traps the breeze,
but funnels it into the interior parts
of all rooms. ., -
 What has been achieved in this
house by reason of analysis and dis-
ciplined refinement is what tradition-
ally was built into the "cracker"
houses on the basis of trial-and-error
experience. Use of the materials em-
ployed is "traditional" too, in that
simplicity, directness and economy
characterize a design that is a sincere
and unique statement of its purpose.


Photos by Ezra Stoller


THE FLORIDA ARCHITECT


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