Strang Design draws on Brazil for ‘environmental modernism’ house in Miami

A deft hand when it comes to blending modernist architecture and Florida's tropical climate, Miami architecture studio Strang Design has just completed a Brazil-inspired house that bears all the hallmarks of its author's style of ‘environmental modernism'. Called upon by a couple from Brazil who wanted to commission a new Miami home, Max Strang and his team blended a wealth of Brazilian influences in a house that both feels comfortable in its location but also evokes images of the owners' South American home country through materials, composition, art and furniture. 

‘We met [the client] through word-of-mouth. Our firm has been active in Miami for over 20 years and we have completed several other homes in this neighbourhood. It was a wonderful collaboration with the clients and they definitely brought an open mind and a lot of style and sophistication to the project,' Strang recalls. ‘Miami has proven itself as the stylistic and commercial capital of Latin America. When you take that perception and merge it with South Florida’s subtropical climate… It was very easy to incorporate Brazilian influences into the design of this residence.'

Landscape architecture studio La Casona Garden helped create the lush outdoor concept that engulfs the house in tropical greenery, protecting it from prying eyes while creating the feeling of serenity and seclusion when inside. Strang worked with these and the wider surroundings to mould his architectural approach.

‘The home is located in a densely landscaped suburban area just a few miles from the heart of downtown Miami,' says Strang. ‘This neighbourhood is known for generous estate-sized properties and a mature tree canopy. At the onset of this project, we strived to integrate the existing oak trees into the overall design. The house itself is organised into an “H-shape” which allows all spaces to be flooded with natural light and views of the natural surroundings. Additionally, the home adopts a series of planted roofs and the second floor was designed with vertical trellises to encourage climbing vines. These features further blur the boundaries between house and landscape.' 

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