Storm Protection for Modern Homes in Gulf Coast Florida

Modern architecture has been a part of Florida’s Gulf Coast home design for some time. This style is especially popular in areas such as Sarasota and Naples. These homes are stunning and standout with their expansive glass windows and unique designs. However, modern homes in Florida also need to be able to withstand Florida’s hurricane season. And the design of these homes limits the variety of options available for storm protection. But protecting your modern home against hurricane winds and flying debris is critical. So how can you protect it? Thankfully, there are storm protection products that that can safeguard your modern home without ruining its design. In this brief article we provide recommendations for protecting your modern home vs hurricanes while staying true to its modern architectural style.

Characteristics of Modern Architecture in Florida’s Gulf Coast

Modern architecture has a notable history in Florida’s Gulf Coast area. Influential architects like Victor Lundy and Paul Rudolph lived and were heavily involved in the Sarasota School of Architecture (Sarasota Modern). Rudolph’s works can be seen throughout Sarasota, such as at Sarasota High School, Riverview High School. And the Walker Guest House was originally built on Sanibel Island before being relocated to California. And Lundy’s work is present throughout Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and more. Examples include the Herron House in Venice, FL and Galloway’s Furniture Showroom in Sarasota.

Modern architecture is sleek with clean lines (including flat roof lines), minimalist design, large windows, and the incorporation of different materials, such as glass, wood, metal, and concrete. The use of windows treatments, including shutters are nearly non-existent.

Modern architecture’s use of large windows creates stunning designs and even more stunning views. However, glass openings are some of the most vulnerable areas of a home during a hurricane. So ensuring the home’s glass is hurricane resistant becomes critical with this style of home.

Below we discuss some protection options that will stay true to the design of your coastal contemporary home.

Suitable Hurricane Protection for Modern Homes

As we mentioned above one of the defining elements of modern architectural design is large glass windows. Another is that exterior and interior window treatments are rarely used. This means hurricane shutters are not a suitable form of hurricane protection for this style of home.

However, that does not mean that your modern home cannot be protected from hurricanes. It just means your options are limited vs other architectural styles.

The obvious, and perfect option is using impact glass for your windows and doors. There are also some great options for protecting your patio, lanai, and outdoor spaces.

We highlight these hurricane protection options below.  

Impact Windows and Doors

Protecting your modern home is as easy as installing impact windows and doors. This is a perfect solution because impact glass products look just like regular windows and doors. So you will not change the look of your home at all.

Impact glass products are available in every style, shape, and size window imaginable, even in massive picture windows. This is also true for glass doors, such as sliders, folding doors, and more.

As an additional benefit, impact windows and doors offer 24/7 hurricane protection with no preparation required. In other words, they are extremely easy and convenient to use.

Learn more about our impact windows in Sarasota and throughout Southwest Florida.

Hidden Roll Downs or Hurricane Screens

There are also great options for protecting your patio, lanai, and pool area (as well as other outdoor spaces). Specifically, installing roll down shutters or hurricane screens in these areas allows you to protect these spaces and your outdoor belongings without affecting your home’s design.

Both of these options are suitable for wide openings so they can be installed between wide, lanai openings. Both can also be installed as a “hidden” installation. In turn, you can protect these spaces without obstructing your amazing views outside or your home’s look from the exterior.

Learn more about hidden roll down shutter installations.