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DEVELOPER’S PERSPECTIVE

History (n): “A record of past events or experiences.”

After 20-plus years of developmentexperience in northeast Florida, we located aproperty worthy of a name synonymous withSt. Augustine, “Istoria”, from the Latin wordHistoria meaning History.

Attributes of the Istoria propertyinclude a predominantly undisturbed vegeta-tive cover consisting of indigenous species,expansive views of the Tolomato River, and ariverfront location and orientation well suitedto benefit from the coastal sea breezes commonto the region. Our plan of development is sensitive to these natural attributes, offeringsignificant preserved open space, a commonarea located on the river marsh, and this pattern book to guide home construction andlandscaping.

Istoria not only derives its name fromits neighboring city, but also, its architecturalstandards. The Coastal vernacular prescribedin this pattern book reflects the architecturalstyles historically accurate with St. Augustineand coastal North Florida.

We invite you to write a chapter of yourfamily history in our newest and most-distin-guished neighborhood. With much work,attention to detail and pride, we present ourrecord of historical patterns for great homes ofthe future.

Istoria is located just north of St.Augustine, Florida. This region has a long-stand-ing history of varying Colonial influences, whichare reflected in its unique architectural styles.

These colonial influences are the foundation of the two styles of architectureselected for this design code; “The British WestIndies” and its more contemporary cousin, the“Florida or Coastal Vernacular.” These styles of architecture evolved in direct response totheir natural and cultural environment. Theoutcome of this evolution is structures withsimple forms and details that result in well-proportioned homes with casual charm.

Canopied Capo Island Road is a remnant of Dixie Highway.

In 1927, U.S.Highway 1 entered Florida south of Folkston,

Georgia. It traveled through St. Johns County along the Florida

eastern coast to Miami. Inadequate to meet today’s traffic

needs, Old Dixie Highway has been abandoned by the Federal

and State highway departments. The local residents of northern

St. Johns County have protected this discarded segment of

highway as a peaceful trip down memory lane. Istoria is proud

to join the residents in maintaining the character of this piece

of St. Johns County history.

History

A canopied road in Florida

Authentic Architecture

Old Capo Island Road

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DESIGN PHILOSOPHYThe British West Indies and Coastal

styles have combined over the years to create a wonderful building type or architectural language. The form and ornamentation ofbuildings is limited to well-crafted elementsthat are functional and respond to the environment. These elements provide shadefrom the intense sun, ventilation for naturalcooling, and shelter from the rain. Key building elements of the selected architecturalstyles include:

❖ Porches & balconies❖ Extended roof overhangs ❖ Double hung windows ❖ High ceilings❖ Shutters❖ Weather vanes

Construction is typically executed using local craftsmen and materials that areindigenous to the region. Such materialsinclude:

❖ Horizontal wood siding❖ Wood board & batten❖ Masonry chimneys and foundations❖ Metal and architectural shingled roofs ❖ Wood windows❖ Stucco

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BUILDING COMPONENTS

The execution of construction details for the build-ing components listed below is critical to insure the char-acter of the British West Indies and Coastal styles. Theguidelines included on the following pages elaborate on theconstruction of these building components includingdetails and use of materials.

The various building components respond to the previously discussed design philosophy. Accurate detailingof these components is critical to insure the character ofthe architectural vernacular.

❖ Foundations

❖ Walls

❖ Doors, Windows & Shutters

❖ Roofs

❖ Accessory Structures

❖ Details

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DOORS, WINDOWS AND SHUTTERS

Wood frame windows are strongly suggested, as are the use of French doors incombination with windows. They should becarefully proportioned to enhance the exteriorappearance and interior light quality. Vinyl or aluminum clad wood windows will be permitted, subject to color approval.

Lightly tinted glass is acceptable for windows & doors, but foil or reflective material is not allowed.

Window trim and shutters are typicallypainted an accent color that complements thecolor of the main body of the house. All colorselections are subject to ARC approval.

Front doors should make a strong architectural statement. Wood or glass exterior doors exceeding a height of seven feet(7’) are recommended. The use of double frontentry doors, or doors enhanced by side and/ortransom panels is encouraged. Sliding patiodoors are not permitted when visible from thestreet or used as a front entrance.

Louvered, bevel board, and panel shuttersare encouraged. Louvered shutters can tiltfrom the top or swing open. All shutters

must be operable, sized to fitthe window, and be of paintedwood or a pre-approvedauthentic-looking material.Anodized aluminum is not anacceptable shutter material.

Roof overhangs, awningsand shutters are appropriatesun screening devices thatrequire ARC approval ofdesign, material and colors.

Materials

Colors

When side-hinged shutters

are used, the width of the shutters

should be half the width of the

window.

Select muntin configurations that are consistent

throughout the structure. Derivations are only allowed

on special windows.

Details & Examples

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ROOFSRoofs are a significant design

component of Istoria’s coastal architecturalvernacular. The practical purpose of the roof is to provide the structure with protection fromthe weather. The design of the roof shouldinclude accurate architectural details, in addition to providing protection from the elements.

Roof materials may be chosen from a selec-tion of architectural asphalt, imitation cedarshingle, standing seam metal, corrugated or 5Vcrimp metal. Roof colors will be limited tonatural wood color, mill finish or shades ofgray. All color selections are subject to ARCapproval.

Materials

Roof overhangs with cornice or rafterdesigns are an essential part of the Coastal vernacular style. Proper overhangs should be included to provide shelter from both thesun and rain. Roofs that incorporate decks,balconies and screened porches are encour-aged. Proper detailing of overhangs allow for a clear understanding of traditional design and craftsmanship.

Roofs of all homes within Istoria shall have a similarity of form to provide for ahomogeneous character. Gable and hip roofsshall have a minimum roof slope of 5/12 andmaximum of 12/12.

Methods of Construction

Details & Examples

Roof slopes less than 5/12 slope are acceptable only in minor areas (not to exceed20% of the total roof area) where used on connections to or between larger roofed areas,attached shed roofs or shed roofs at porches.All connecting roofs shall have a roof withmaterial compatible with the main buildingstructure.

The following roof configurations are used in the Coastal Vernacular styles and are represented in the graphic details shownbelow.

All roof accessories, such as vent stacks androof vents shall be painted to match the roofcolor. Wherever possible, vents shall be locat-ed away from the entry elevations. Copperflashing is recommended, except in the case ofmetal roofs where it shall be of the same mate-rial as the roof. Roof overhangs shall be aminimum of twenty inches (20”). Rain guttersare permitted. No vinyl soffits are permitted.

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ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Towers and cupolas will be allowed on selectlots. The scale & proportion of the tower to themain body of the house is crucial. The footprintof the tower shall be no greater than 10% of theconditioned space below it and no greater than400 square feet. The height of the tower is limit-ed to 35’. The location of the towers and cupolascan be on the side, front, or rear.

The character of these structures shall becommensurate with the main house and may beconnected to the house by a porch or breezeway.Such structures may or may not have roomsabove or attached shed storage appendages.Garages cannot face the street unless they are 20’rear of the front facade respective to the street.

Gazebos and cabanas serve as areas of leisureallowing residents a place to read, meditate orrelax while breezes and shade help insure com-fort. These structures shall be detailed similar tothe porches of the main house.

Compressors, meters and miscellaneousequipment shall be grouped and screened to min-imize the impact on neighbors and the communi-ty. Screens can be landscaping or wood compati-bly detailed to the exterior of the house. Exposedvents, grilles and other mechanical, electrical andplumbing components shall be coordinated withbuilding elements. Consider locating the dryerexhaust vent, hose bibs, waterproof outlets belowthe first floor beam. Conceal these items to theextent possible and coordinate visible items withthe foundation piers and screens. When feasible,conceal other vent/grilles in the eaves.

Outbuildings:Gazebos & Cabanas

MiscellaneousEquipment ScreeningCarriage House:

Garages & Parking

Towers & Cupolas

Carriage house with cupola

Pergola

Carriage house

Drive to detached carriage house

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DETAILSThe skillful application of the following

details will bring unique quality to each owner’sresidence.

Porches are required on at least one side ofevery house and are a minimum of 8 feet deep.Wrap around porches are encouraged. Porchescan be one or two stories. See examples and pos-sibilities for suggested porch compositions. Flatporch roofs utilized as connectors to accessorystructures will be permitted.

The application and use of columns requirestronger and larger first-story columns support-ing (when applicable) lighter and proportionallyleaner second-story columns. These second story

columns are squarewith or withoutchamfered edgeswith nominaldimensions of 6x6or 8x8. The firststory columns canbe square boxcolumns or round-ed tapered columnsof the Tuscan orIonic order.Column heightswill typically be 9’to 10’. Columns

shall be proportioned to one story and two storyconditions. Handrail details will comprise ofsquare balusters with tight spacing coupled withsimple newel posts or pedestal bases for thecolumns.

Cupolas may be added to the Main body ofany house. Cupolas will be centered in the middleof the main house mass and may not exceed 1/8of the footprint of the house.

Chimney dimensions shall be compatible inscale with the structure; however, the minimumsize shall be two feet six inches (2’6”) by four feetsix inches (4’6”). Prefabricated metal fireplaces,when used, must have coverings for all exposedflue pipes. No direct vent fireplaces will be permitted where visible from the streets. Allchimneys must be of masonry construction.

The use of weathervanes may be added to accessory structures, garages, gazebos andpavilions.The design of the weathervanes shouldreflect the uniqueness and personality of theowner. These weathervanes should monitor climactic changes along this coastline rangingfrom wind direction and speed to navigationalbearing directions. Weathervanes shall be madeof copper or noncorrosive metal components.

Porches

Columns

Cupolas

Chimney

Weathervanes

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LANDSCAPE AND PLANNINGLandscape Standards are provided to

ensure that the natural character of Istoria willbe maintained and enhanced as the communitymatures. The intended result of theseStandards is to reinforce the visual fabric thatblends the built environment with the site’s nat-ural landscape setting.

Istoria is located adjacent to conserva-tion lands in Florida’s Northern Coastal Basinand the saltwater marsh along the TolomatoRiver at Casa Cola Creek. A compellingattribute of Istoria is the predominantly undis-turbed vegetative cover consisting of indige-nous species. The overall landscape theme isdesigned to reinforce, enhance and celebratethe natural systems by establishing a harmo-nious and consistent flow of natural and indige-

nous landscape throughout the community. The plant environment at Istoria is char-

acterized by pine mesic oak and sand live oakcommunities. Plants that support this beautifulhabitat have evolved over time to withstand thestresses of extreme heat, drought conditions,salt air and lack of nutrients. Existing plantsare sensitive to disturbance and re-establishingthe native plant cover can be a challenging andslow process. Therefore, in lieu of clearing andreplanting, “protection and preservation” is therequirement for homesite construction.

The ability to integrate buildingimprovements with the natural features of eachhomesite is essential in preserving and enhanc-ing the natural character of Istoria. Individualhomesites present a variety of opportunities

that must be closely evaluated to determine thebest Site Development Plan. Considerationsinclude access, solar orientation, shade patterns,existing vegetation, soils, topography, drainage,utilities, building restriction lines and the rela-tionships of indoor and outdoor use areas thatcreate a functional and aesthetic residentialproperty. Tree surveys, preservation plans andlandscape plans are required with eachArchitectural Review submittal.

Local governments across the state havebegun enforcing strict regulations for landscapewater usage. The primary objective ofXeriscape is to create healthy landscapes byselecting plants that are compatible with exist-ing site conditions. Once established, plantsthat are matched to their site conditions willthrive with little or no irrigation. Requirementsfor fertilizer and pesticides are reduced and canoften be eliminated completely. Owners arestrongly encouraged to apply principles ofXeriscape when planning their landscapes,avoiding future consequences as a result of fur-ther restrictions on water use.

The St. Johns River WaterManagement District offers a good referencedocument, Waterwise Florida Landscapes:Landscaping to Promote Water ConservationUsing the Principles of Xeriscape.http://sjr.state.fl.us/programs/outreach/pubs/index.html

Xeriscape Landscaping

Vegetation preservation zoneContinuous along street

Outdoor living area Outdoor living areaOutdoor living area

Outdoor living area

Typical Development Pattern Vegetation preservation zone

Continuous along rear property line

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EXAMPLES AND POSSIBILITIES

One-Story

Two-Story

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