Location: Florida, United States Year of construction: 2003 Architect: Jorge Rangel (interior design) Photography: Jose Luts Hausmann
This home for a Catalan family in Key Biscayne, Miami, was given a makeover in order to update it both functionally and aesthetically. The aim was to achieve a lighter space that would also allow a closer relationship with the bordering water.
Although no structural changes were made, the owners decided to remove certain elements. For example, the old carpets and tiles were removed, revealing the pavement beneath. The ground floor comprises the day area, which includes a spacious living/dining/service area, sauna, guest bathroom, swimming pool, and exterior dining terrace that link the two blocks that form the home. A steel structure on the terrace for hanging plants was designed to create shade during the summer months. The upper floor consists of three children’s/guest bedrooms and a master bedroom. The master bedroom, with views of the ocean and pool, enjoys greater privacy and an integrated bathroom, walk-in closet, and terrace.
While surfaces were painted white to enhance the already luminous quality of the semi-tropical weather, glass was employed throughout many areas of the home to optimize natural light and views of the water. The living area, dining terrace, kitchen, bedroom, and even the bathroom now enjoy views of the ocean. In keeping with the outdoor/beach lifestyle for which Miami is known, sliding glass doors enable interior and exterior spaces to be merged.