Project Overview: Two-Story Florida Home Design for Comfort, Code, and Custom Living

Unified Studio Architect was engaged to design a luxury two-story Florida home that embodies the essence of modern living while remaining firmly rooted in regulatory compliance. Set within Florida’s warm, coastal climate, the home was developed for a discerning client seeking openness, privacy, and efficiency. With Florida Building Code 2023 as our framework, we delivered a comprehensive architecture and MEP design that fused comfort, style, and performance. This case study reflects our integrated, permit-ready approach tailored to both homeowners and contractors.

Architectural Layout: Elegance in Motion

The home plan features thoughtfully zoned living, leisure, and private spaces to support dynamic modern family life:

• 4 expansive bedrooms, each with attached bathrooms and walk-in closets

• 6 bathrooms, including two luxury en-suites and a dedicated pool-access bath

• A double-height great room with open concept family and dining area, illuminated by large-format glazing

• An office/study suite on the ground level that doubles as a guest room

• A wraparound outdoor lanai connecting seamlessly with interior kitchen and wet bar

• Secondary lounge area upstairs for media use or children’s recreation

• Built-in sauna with moisture ventilation

• Dual laundry zones for main and upper levels, ensuring daily convenience

• Garage-to-pantry direct access for utility efficiency

The layout ensures seamless transitions between daily routines and entertaining, anchored in livable elegance.

Plumbing Plan: Smart Water Design

The plumbing system was engineered to handle high-demand residential usage while preserving code alignment:

• Efficient vertical wet stacks to reduce piping redundancy and increase serviceability

• Water supply designed for simultaneous multi-fixture operation across six bathrooms

• Tankless water heater system integrated for on-demand hot water delivery

• Sump pit and drainage systems included for site-specific hydro mitigation

• Plumbing line routing coordinated to avoid ceiling conflicts with HVAC and lighting

This design ensures efficiency, performance, and inspection clarity across all water-related systems.

HVAC Design: Zoned Comfort and Climate Responsiveness

The mechanical plan reflects Florida’s climate challenges, with an emphasis on cooling efficiency and zone-specific comfort:

• Independent HVAC zones for each floor with programmable thermostats

• System capacity aligned to ACCA Manual J load calculations, tailored to window orientation and roof exposure

• Air return registers and supply vents distributed for even circulation

• Dedicated exhaust for sauna and bathrooms to maintain indoor air quality

• MERV 13 filters specified for improved allergen control in high-pollen zones

These design details provide responsive, energy-smart cooling throughout the year.

Electrical and Lighting: Integrated Convenience

Our electrical design supports both ambiance and utility:

• Strategically placed outlets for kitchen appliances, smart tech, workspaces, and entertainment systems

• Recessed lighting in all major zones with dimmer integration

• Pre-wiring for ceiling fans, wall sconces, and pendant lights

• Circuit load balancing with dedicated circuits for high-demand appliances

• Outdoor lighting system for façade accents, landscape visibility, and nighttime security

This plan delivers comfort, control, and easy post-occupancy upgrades.

Fire Safety, Egress, and Alarm Coordination

Life safety elements were designed in early coordination with layout:

• Fire-rated partitioning for garage and interstitial spaces

• Smoke and CO detectors aligned with NFPA 72 and interconnected with main panel

• Sprinkler-ready infrastructure prepared for system installation

• Egress windows for all sleeping rooms per FBC minimums

• Direct outdoor access points from public and private zones

The residence is fully compliant with current fire, egress, and notification requirements.

Exterior and Elevation Detailing: A Modern Florida Identity

The exterior was designed to reflect Florida’s design trends and environmental demands:

• Impact-rated glazing for wind-borne debris protection

• Extended roof overhangs for solar shading and rain control

• Textured stucco and cement board cladding for weather resistance

• Front and rear porches optimized for cross-breeze

• Roof pitch and drainage designed for heavy rainfall

These features create a durable, energy-aware, and visually harmonious façade.

Structural Engineering and Code Alignment

Structural elements were optimized for strength, durability, and ease of permitting:

• Structural wood framing Type V-B

• Shear walls and tie-downs designed for wind speeds up to 140 mph

• Foundation plan coordinated with plumbing and HVAC slab penetrations

• Truss layout engineered for large spans and vaulted ceilings

• Load paths confirmed through analysis and documentation

We worked with structural engineers to align with Florida Building Code 2023 and local wind zone requirements.

Final Outcome: A Permit-Ready, Performance-Driven Florida Residence

The result is a permit-ready two-story Florida home design that exceeds expectations in comfort, utility, and code compliance. The homeowner received a full set of coordinated architectural, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical drawings ready for submission and construction. The design showcases Unified Studio Architect’s ability to create personalized, climate-conscious homes tailored to Florida lifestyles.

Looking to develop your own modern Florida residence? Email support@unifiedstudioarchitect.com or visit www.unifiedstudioarchitect.com to begin your journey.