Not to think about the environment is difficult at The Water Club on Long Boat Key, FL. The front yard of this 11-floor condominium enclave is a 4.5-acre preserve where endangered orchids and cacti coexist with hundreds of species of native plants. In the backyard, is the Gulf of Mexico with its crystal blue waters and white sand beaches. Such gifts of nature were what inspired Anne Folsom Smith, ASID, Associate AIA, to create a model residence that is environmentally sensitive.

Together with The Water Club's management, Smith, who is principal of Anne Folsom Smith Interior Design in Sarasota, FL, decided that it would be advantageous from a marketing perspective to offer a green model. The unit shows how living in an upscale residence does not preclude using environmentally sensitive materials that are non-toxic, non-flammable and indigenous to the area.

As she began designing the interiors of this model residence, Smith used the following criteria to help her select ecologically-sound finishes and furniture:

• renewable and abundant resources
• non-polluting and non-toxic during manufacturing and use
• reusable or recycled content requiring minimal processing
• energy conserving or efficient
• durable and easy to maintain.

Beginning at the outside entry, the wall covering is a watercolor design that is hand-painted on silk fabric. The foyer has a rattan and stone console table that is complemented by a carved wood mirror.

In the living room, Smith oriented the furniture toward the view to take advantage of the beach breezes and to see the spectacular sunsets. The sofas are upholstered in cotton chenille, While hand-painted linen covers the bench, which is framed in carved maple. Two chairs are upholstered in a rayon fabric with a natural watercolor pattern.

Large window walls in the living room and throughout the home allow natural light to enter, thereby reducing the dependency on artificial light. Gauzy linen window treatments are casually draped over bamboo poles. Ceiling fans circulate the air continuously. The flooring is a durable, easily maintained Mexican limestone that offers a cool walking surface.

The dining room table is made of two carved stone bases and a weathered wood top. On either side of the table are a pair of pine corner cabinets with an antique finish. The chairs are woven hemp over a wood frame, with cushions covered in silk.

The kitchen table is made of a driftwood base that is naturally aged by water and weather. A decorative glass creates a sense of spaciousness and light. The chairs are built of hand-forged iron and have rattan seats.

The kitchen countertops are made of granite, and the flooring consists of baked clay tiles, which are glazed for easy maintenance and longevity.

Tropical Vacation
The den is styled like a tropical retreat. To create a comfortable atmosphere, Smith chose sofas and chairs made from natural rattan and cushions of printed silk fabric. A country pine desk adds another warm texture to the room, as does the entertainment center made from recycled pine. To complete the room, there is a colorful wool area rug and natural grass cloth wall covering done in a basket weave pattern.

In the master bedroom, the furniture and finishes present a whimsical interpretation of nature. Leaves and vines give the iron bed frame an organic quality. The hand-painted cotton bedspread shows the playful side of nature with crickets and tropical foliage. Sisal carpeting extends wall-to-wall and rice paper wall covering is hand crafted and enhances the master bath.

All of the baths in this model residence have Rosa Zarci marble floors and countertops, a plentiful marble that is found in Spain.

The terrace garden echoes the native flora found in The Water Club's nature preserve. The furniture is teak, a hardwood processed without toxic preservatives. Teak weathers well outdoors and is naturally insect resistant. It is being replenished in controlled forests.

Did you know...

• Rattan is made from many different types of palm and its harvesting is a sustainable use of the tropical forests?
• Wood is one of the healthiest building materials because it breathes, stabilizes humidity and helps purify the air?
• Rayon is a synthetic fiber made from wood and plant pulp? It is a perfect example of healthy, sustainable plant chemistry without the use of toxic petrochemicals.
• Pine is a soft, fast growing wood that is carefully managed in our forests?
• The cultivation of hemp fiber for rope and cloth is strictly controlled?
• Bamboo is purchased from plantations and is the world's fastest growing plant?
• Silk is an extremely strong fiber produced by silkworms?
• Glass is created from the fusing of several natural resources found in ample amounts throughout the world?
• Sisal is extracted from the leaves of the plentiful Mexican agave plant?

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