sUNSET ISLANDS - MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

The clients wanted to create a home that would not only become their primary residence, but also a place for their entire family to spend time together and create lasting memories. Yet, the occupants were not the only stakeholders in the design. In addition to supporting the requirements of a growing family, it would also need to support a growing and eclectic art collection, while still remaining connected to nature.

The design carefully considers the desires and needs of three characters: nature, art and occupant, while retaining a respectful massing in context. Displaced pavilions are connected by a central art gallery aligned with the site’s optimal view. In-between are programed gardens that integrate nature deep into the floor plan. The second level is an efficient multi-bedroom volume wrapped in an operable screen system. This screen provides ample privacy for the NE Façade, and critical solar shading for glazing on the SW façade, protecting both art and occupants from harmful UV light.

With an established view-line to Sunset Lake, a system of planes and walls define a central axis through the site in the form of an art gallery. Programed pavilions are inserted along the main axis. Gardens and pavilions are further layered. The primary family and social pavilions frame courtyards and views to the lake beyond. A void is created for outdoor living and all pavilions are connected via a gallery canopy. Set far back from the street, a simple second story volume is placed above the main living spaces.

The entry court is defined by flanking walls of textured concrete that establish a connection to the home’s central axis. The front entrance is indicated by the canopy above; this canopy defines the gallery space, organizing all intersecting volumes. Adjacent to the front door is a glass ‘bridge’ connecting the main home to the garage volume and support housing. Full height windows create a visual connection to water features, gardens and sculptures on either side.

Upon entry, the gallery directs your view to the lake beyond. Art walls help to organize and conceal program that branches off of the central axis. By utilizing wood to define horizontal planes, the space becomes more panoramic, and gallery walls are accentuated. Art walls are detailed with cement frames that elevate their presence, giving them a monumental quality. The view towards the house from Sunset Lake shows the home’s dynamic façade consisting of operable architectural metal mesh screens.