Keys Tree House

The Florida Keys is a federally protected marine sanctury and eco sensitive area. Building in this environment had specific challenges in order to comply with the many protective regulations.
Construction began after a 5 year wait due to the restriced growth program here in the Keys. Approximately 12 building permits are issued per year and a total ban on new construction is now on the horizon. As my property was deemed a "Hardwood Hammock" after the required biological survey, I was limited to disturbing/clearing 50% of the property. The balance of the property was deeded to the "Village of Islamorada,"creating a permanent "Conservation Area." All native trees that were on the buildable area were counted, identified and tagged by a biologist. The list was later used to plant new native nursery stock, including species deemed "endangered". Some species required three for one replacement. Among other protected life were the "Cuban Tree Snail" and "Keys Wood Rat."
Construction began August of 2015 and our move in date was November of 2020. As a NJ based construction project manager, work in the Keys was limited to a few weeks every few months. The final year of construction was a full time effort as my wife Elaine and I were now Florida residents.
Our Goals when the project was first conceived was to build a modern style home, blend with the surroundings and impact the environment as little as possible.
Some of our homes features:
*95% concrete construction
*Rainwater collection cistern used for toilets and irrigation
*LED lighting throughout
*Mini split AC all floors
*Low energy design, 2300sf home with average $200/monthly bill
*Cuban Mahogany trees recycled from the initial site clearing were later used furniture fabrication
*Fruit trees planted: mango, pineapple, banana, coconut, lime and lemon.
*Roof top vegetable garden

Our 3 bed 3 bath home has window views to the wooded areas and unobstructed views of Florida Bay.


additional photos will be added shortly