House of Light | Miami Beach, USA

Ground reflections

The aim of the project is to craft a design concept that emerges from an extensive understanding of the site as well as creating a series of spaces that provide privacy and sensory experiences throughout the residence.

Functional Organisation

Programmatically, the spaces are arranged in regard to how “open” and “public” their functions are. A main circulation axis is established, creating multiple solids and voids that offer views to the north garden. As a result, the residence is read as an interplay of dense volumes from the street that conceal any point of entry to its interior.

When crossing the main entrance, a central axis gradually leads to the house interior, eventually arriving in a large, open space that guides the visitor to the garden and provides views to the golf course beyond the immediate building. Moreover, a wooden staircase offers access to the first floor, where the bedrooms are located.

Landscape Design

A series of stone tiles loosely define a route amidst the sloping lawn in the garden, which is filled with different tree species as well as a shower, a hot tub and built-in planters. More specifically, the landscape is carefully crafted to allow for the greenery to “take over” the house. Additionally, water becomes a primary element in the design, since the structure is surrounded by a swimming pool as well as an array of smaller pools that playfully reflect natural light during the day.

Material Palette

The material palette is subtle and simple: all the wall finishes are made of chukum, a natural plaster from Mexico that adds character, crispness and texture to the architectural volumes. Furthermore, a set of carefully placed wooden screens contrast the solid exterior, while marble and wood are used throughout the interior surfaces.