"Up with life. Stamp out all the small and large indignities. Leave everyone alone to make it without pressure. Down with hurting. Lower the standard of living. Do without plastics. Smash the servo mechanisms. Stop grabbing. Snuff the breeze and love the kids. Love all love. Hate all hate."

- Travis McGee's credo from A TAN AND SANDY SILENCE, John D. MacDonald.

Designed as the retirement residence for Travis McGee, the protagonist detective of a series of novels created by author John D. MacDonald, the program and client profile were gleaned from careful reading of the novels.

Located in the Florida Everglades, the residence is an hour boat ride from the nearest road and thus must maintain a high degree of self-sufficiency. Never one to crave convenience, McGee has very minimal energy needs, apart from a few lights, refrigeration, and the water and waste systems, the home consumes very little electricity. No heating is needed, and the form is designed to maximize natural ventilation, while it's operable surfaces allow for a great degree of control over air and shade.

The towering form is a result of this climactic consideration and the isolated site. The home stands like a watchtower at the edge of the cypress, looking out across the Florida swamps.