The Dunes of Crystal Beach.
Destin, Florida
Challenge
The Dunes of Crystal Beach site is 255 LF of private beach front property located in the Crystal Beach Residential Resort area of Destin, Florida.
Due to beach Coastal Construction setback restrictions set by the Florida DEP, side setback limitations and the 50-foot height restriction set by the Destin zoning ordinance, the 1.34 Acre site was challenged to meet its full development potential of 20 Units per acre.
Action
The overriding architectural challenge became locating enough parking on site to allow for 4 stories to accommodate the potential 20 residential units and guests. This challenge was solved by providing surface parking for guests in the street front setback area and then incorporating a “basement” level parking lot under the building footprint.
The open “basement” parking area, an exception allowed under the Florida Building Code, does not constitute a new building floor, and therefore, met the Destin Zoning restrictions.
Results
By understanding how to leverage the nuances of the land development code and building code, BTA’s design solution creatively captured the full development density potential as allowed under the Destin Land Development Code, as well as provided an additional amenity of covered, secure parking for all the unit residents.
The Dunes of Crystal Beach remains as one of the preferred developments in Destin, providing covered parking for 20 residential units, as well as a Gulf front pool & hot tub, beach patio with grills, direct beach access, dune walkover, and a private fitness center.
