Nestled along one of South Florida’s most coveted stretches of coastline, an extraordinary estate has taken shape—a seamless marriage of architectural brilliance, coastal resilience, and refined luxury. This oceanfront masterpiece in Manalapan, Florida, stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and visionary leadership of Siobhan Zerilla, the principal behind Bluedoor Building. With a coveted setting that offers sweeping ocean views and seamless Intracoastal access, this estate is more than a home—it’s a testament to refined coastal living.
A Builder’s Perspective: Leading with Craftsmanship
Siobhan Zerilla’s journey into the world of high-end construction is as captivating as the homes she brings to life. After earning her graduate degree, she began her career as a laborer, gaining firsthand experience that now shapes her hands-on leadership style. Today, as the founder of Bluedoor Building, she brings that same grounded approach to every project, ensuring each detail is executed with precision. “I firmly believe that the best way to lead is by example,” says Zerilla. “I am the first person on a job site to pick up a broom or to make myself available to assist in a less-than-desirable task. There is not one individual or component that is more important than another.”
This philosophy translates into an unwavering commitment to teamwork, where skilled craftsmen, artisans, and vendors work in sync with shared accountability. “My goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages everyone to individually perform at a high level, but also function with an awareness for the common goal and big picture,” she adds. The result? Homes that exemplify excellence at every level, from foundational engineering to bespoke detailing.
The Bluedoor Approach: Precision Meets Vision
Every Bluedoor Building project is a masterclass in organization and foresight. With luxury homes, even the most minute details demand rigorous attention. “There are thousands of details and decisions that go into building a quality home…and every single detail or decision matters,” says Zerilla. “New challenges arise daily, each requiring thought, patience, and time to be thoroughly evaluated.”
The key, she explains, is proactive management. “We take a very proactive approach to each project, with the goal of identifying and resolving all the potential challenges before they have the opportunity to develop into problems.”
This philosophy extends beyond construction logistics—it shapes the collaborative relationships between builder, architect, and designer. “The most successful projects allow for the builder, architect, and design team to work together during the concept and planning phase,” she notes. “Streamlining this collaborative communication allows for efficiency with time, money, energy, and effort.”
Engineering for Elegance and Endurance
Building along the ocean requires more than just an eye for aesthetics; it demands a deep understanding of environmental resilience. Coastal estates must withstand intense sun exposure, salt-laden air, and the ever-present challenge of hurricane-force winds. “We strive to build our homes and estates with maintenance and longevity in mind,” says Zerilla. “It’s easy to build a house that looks good immediately upon completion. But we are interested in how our homes will look and perform two, three, five, even ten years down the road.”
This long-term mindset informs every material selection and construction technique. “We try to execute every detail in such a way that allows for the best performance under these tough conditions,” she explains. From hurricane-rated glass to weather-resistant finishes, every element is chosen with durability at the forefront.
A Study in Architectural Purity: The Manalapan Estate
Set against a backdrop of endless blue, this Manalapan estate is a triumph of thoughtful design and architectural restraint. “The goal was to create and build an estate that functioned and lived as flawlessly as it was finished,” says Zerilla. With an emphasis on fluidity and connection to the outdoors, the home embraces its coastal setting at every turn.
The home’s material palette—a refined blend of oolite stone, plaster walls, and shell stone accents—anchors the design in a timeless Florida aesthetic. “By using natural elements, we were able to incorporate a timeless Florida aesthetic to the property,” she explains. “Pairing these features with contemporary lines and warm wood finishes provided the perfect balance between functionality and beauty for this coastal environment.”
Notably, many materials were chosen for their ability to age gracefully. “Many of the elements that were selected are intended to age with the property in the coastal conditions, only allowing for a more mature finish five to ten years down the road.”
A Home Defined by Its Spaces
Among the estate’s most striking features is its internal courtyard—a sanctuary of calm at the heart of the home. “The courtyard space was the inspiration for the entire home,” reveals Zerilla. “We wanted to create a space that allowed the indoor and outdoor areas to flow seamlessly throughout.”
This connection between architecture and nature is evident the moment one steps through the grand entryway. “You are able to walk up the entry stairs, hear and feel the gentle ocean breeze, while your eyes gaze through a mature seagrape, only to see the expansive ocean view centered on the horizon.”
This carefully orchestrated interplay of sightlines, textures, and materials results in a home that feels alive with movement, light, and air. “The high ceilings, large panels of glass, shellstone, and plaster accents that surround the courtyard allow for a soothing, interchangeable, and organic experience from all perspectives.”
Defining Details: Texture as a Signature Element
While the home’s neutral color palette imparts a sense of serenity, its true depth lies in its tactile richness. “We worked to bring this home to life with texture,” says Zerilla. “There is a neutral color palette that flows continuously throughout the house, but the various plays on indoor and outdoor texture really command attention.”
From artisanal stone applications to custom millwork, the home is a showcase of craftsmanship. Perhaps most impressively, the estate blurs the line between indoors and out. “When the expansive sliders are open, one might forget that they were even indoors.”
Selecting the Right Builder: A Homeowner’s Perspective
For those embarking on the journey of building a luxury home, choosing the right builder is paramount. “Select a builder that best aligns with your vision and priorities for your project—timeline, budget, and quality are usually the big three,” advises Zerilla. Beyond logistics, she underscores the importance of trust. “It’s important for complete transparency and honesty, particularly when it comes to fees and costs.”
Building a home, she reminds us, is an intimate process. “It’s also important to find someone you respect, trust, and enjoy on a human level. A home is an important investment, and it should be treated as such.”
A Legacy in the Making
Bluedoor Building’s Manalapan estate is more than an exquisite home—it’s a benchmark in luxury coastal construction. With Siobhan Zerilla at the helm, the project stands as a testament to what’s possible when vision, precision, and craftsmanship converge.
This estate is a rarefied masterpiece, offering its future residents not just an unparalleled living experience but a home built to endure—both in beauty and in strength. As South Florida’s luxury market continues to evolve, Bluedoor Building’s work will no doubt remain at the forefront, shaping the future of coastal living with every home it creates.
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