DSDG ARCHITECTS

by Ralph Twitchell, Architect - 1960

After substantial flooding, DSDG Architects was engaged to restore and protect a historic Sarasota School residence originally designed by Ralph Twitchell. With assistance from Architecture Sarasota, the homeowners successfully obtained State historic designation, allowing the project to move forward without triggering the 50% FEMA repair rule. With the stewardship of WG Homes, a contractor specializing in historic construction, this architectural gem was preserved—avoiding what could easily have become a teardown and another loss to Sarasota’s architectural heritage. The original Ocala block structure and all glazing remained intact; however, the interior cypress wall panels had swollen and deteriorated due to prolonged saltwater exposure. To address this, the existing stud framing was treated with a fungicide waterproofing system, closed-cell foam insulation was installed within each cavity, and new fiber-cement wall panels were introduced. This approach created an inversion of Twitchell’s original interior language—where the historic design featured wood walls and a white ceiling, the renovation introduced white walls with a cypress ceiling. Notably, the cypress ceiling had been installed by previous owners with the approval of Twitchell’s son, maintaining a meaningful connection to the architect’s legacy while allowing the home to evolve.