Architecture Wednesday: Curvy Colorful Home

Extraordinarily rare opportunity to own a modern masterpiece, designed and built by the architect Don Chapell as his personal residence and regarded as one of Florida's most architecturally significant homes. Chapell created a secure compound with wraparound wings that surround a landscaped courtyard; the primary living space opens to the courtyard and also to the private lap pool, perfect for morning coffee or gathering with friends, that sits along the serene Pansy Bayou.

Spanning more than 6,800 interior square feet, the design of the home is inside and out is both whimsical and refined, showcasing the eclectic palette and materials of postmodernism, with an interplay of light and shadow that transforms each space, hour by hour.

The scale and layout offer luxury accommodation, with six bedrooms including two owners' suites, six full and two half bathrooms, abundant storage and even a safe room. The central living space offers breathtaking views of the native landscape and the open bayou with soaring 17-foot ceilings and two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize sightlines and the home's shimmering natural light.

Spanning the central living space, a catwalk bridges the second stories of the adjacent living wings. The primary owners' suite encompasses a bedroom with private balcony with long-range water views, a large wardrobe, sprawling spa bath with separate water closet, extra-long vanity, and a separate shower room with soaker tub; floor-to-ceiling windows in the shower open to a private bayou-facing balcony.

Adjacent is a light-filled, oversized en suite office with gently curving walls, volume ceiling, sitting area and a private, secure entrance that can be accessed from the courtyard. A separate wing features a cozy nursery connected to a second owners' suite, an additional bedroom, fanciful full bath and inspiring lounge and game room. Just beyond that is an oversized guest or staff quarters with sitting area and a small kitchenette, a full bath, and its own direct access from the entry courtyard.

Postmodern hallmarks include original poured terrazzo floors with imported Murano glass accents, multihued surfaces—I generally loathed mixed colors on kitchen cabinetry, especially this mixed, but it works in this house; Chapell offers every artistic feature as a showcase of the museum quality of the home.

Functional amenities include garage space for three vehicles, a dedicated laundry room and separate storage room with outdoor access. It was recently sold for over the $10M asking price to someone who likes curves and colors and stripes and big houses and Florida.

Dwell