Halflants + Pichette, award-winning Anna Maria and Bradenton architects, designed this coastal residence as a modern response to the island’s compact lots and flood elevation requirements. Set on a 56-foot-wide parcel facing the Gulf, the 3,500-square-foot home rises one full story above grade to meet elevation codes. The design turns site limitations into an opportunity for creativity, framing long beach views while maintaining privacy. Access to the property is provided through a shared rear alley that serves three adjacent homes.
The plan creates a gradual transition between indoor living areas and the ground. Three steps lead from the main level to an elevated pool, followed by a short descent to a wood deck positioned three feet above grade. From there, broad steps cascade into the yard and entry court. These layers form a sequence of shaded outdoor spaces that extend the interior experience, connecting each level through light and sightlines. Two double-height volumes anchor the corners of the home, filling interiors with openness and natural light. An upper-level office overlooks the living area with views stretching across the pool toward the Gulf beyond.







The Anna Maria Residence expresses Halflants + Pichette’s approach to modern coastal design by balancing structure, landscape, and livability. A continuous stair connection links the yard, deck, pool, and roof terrace to create a vertical rhythm within the narrow site. Openings between floors bring natural light through the core of the house, reinforcing a sense of movement and transparency. Every level maintains a connection to the outdoors, from the private terrace off the master suite to the shaded pool deck below.
Built for the challenges of coastal conditions, the home combines elevated foundations with durable materials suited for salt air and sun exposure. Deep roof projections provide shade and reduce heat gain, while operable glass systems open the interiors to cross-breezes. The result is a residence that captures the character of Anna Maria Island—bright, modern, and responsive to its environment. Designed for comfort, privacy, and connection to the landscape, it reflects the studio’s commitment to clarity, proportion, and lasting coastal architecture.