50 s Nokomis House Takes on a Positive Look of Light and Air

By JOAN ALTABE
Architecture writer
Sarasota Herald Tribune
October 6, 1991

When Tom and Betty Court of Nokomis decided to rework their residence, the plan was of such consequence that long-time friends who came to see the result couldn t find the house.

The wonder-working was by Yehuda Inbar, the Sarasota architect who recently transformed the Kensington Park Baptist Church from a storefront chapel to a readily identifiable house of worship.

The Courts house - built in the 50s with attending concrete bloc, shallow sloped roof, and flat ceilings - was dark and hot until Inbar re-designed it.

“The main design goals were natural light, ventilation and a fresh, positive look,” Inbar said. To that end, he introduced a large wood louver vent immediately below the roof line at the center of the truss, a triangular arrangement that forms the framework.

The vent is open to allow breezes to aerate the roof - in the way of oldtime Florida houses before the advent of air conditioning.

And, to admit light, mbar fashioned glass panels beneath the framework of the roof.

“It s organic - part of the landscape now,” said Inbar, referring to the natural light and air that streams through the house. “And, it s very honest,” he said. “You get. what you see. You see a vent. You get a vent. You see a roof. The ceiling follows the shape of the roof all the way through the building. The framework of the roof also is exposed inside. That s all it is: All there is on the inside is on the outside to see - very simple.”

Verv un-Sarasota, as well. “There s not a portico, pillar or Palladian window in sight - the main thrust being the emphasized triangle of the truss.

“It s a shocking kind of thing,” said Inbar, “and you think. where did that come from?”