Equa
by Kathleen Hay Designs

This modern dwelling on the edge of the west coast of Sarasota, Florida boasts wide water views of the Gulf and a spectacular vista to the city beyond. Sarasota has a long and established architectural history.  The Sarasota School of Architecture is a highly influential regional movement of mid-century modern architecture ranked as one of the most significant regional modern movements in United States history. The clean, simple mid-century vernacular style served as inspiration for this magnificent property. 

Equa, the name for this modern home, is derived from the Latin aequus (“equal” or “level”).  The architecture and design embody the principles of balance and equilibrium.  The architectural team explored the orchestration of contrasting elements: solid and void, opacity and transparency, and the tactile contrast between concrete and terrazzo and warm wood surfaces, treating them as complementary rather than competing conditions, establishing an architecture in which each element carries equal significance. 

The interior design was influenced by the simple lines of the architecture and the raw essence of the structural materials.  Designer Kathleen Hay layered in clean, contemporary furnishings, softening the interiors to create inviting and comfortable livability in the unadorned and austere spaces. 

Materials in subtle shades of white, cream, and gray forgo patterns to enhance the quiet atmosphere created by the clean-lined architecture.  Fabrics with tactile qualities (boucle, velvet, chenille, leather) and plush floor coverings add welcome cushioning, playing off the harder surfaces. Nothing is superfluous in the interior landscape; it invites a calm and restful lifestyle. 

Design: Kathleen Hay Design

Photography: Jane Beiles