This striking family home is intrinsically connected to and inspired by its location, right by the Miami waterfront in the affluent neighbourhood of Golden Beach. Set by the water on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, and named Terracina, the house is designed by South African architecture practice SAOTA and merges a response to its distinctive context and the client’s love for art.
The architects orientated the house towards the long sea views, opening it up through expansive glazing and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring inside and outside together seamlessly. The structure occupies the inner side of the pie-shaped plot, in order to allow for larger terrace areas towards the water element.
Formally, the design balances opposites. ‘The house mediates a progressive experience that unfolds between a muscular, monolithic protective screen of concrete panels presented to the street and a light, transparent treatment on the façade facing the waterway,’ explain the architects. A carefully articulated water-side facade helps create a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ so the owners can make the most of Miami’s pleasant climate.
While the exterior is intricate and layered with screens, glazing and foliage, the interior, designed by Rosy Levy, is masterfully simple. Adopting a gallery-like approach, the space features clean white walls that allows the owners’ extensive art collection to steal the spotlight. The main living space includes artworks by artists such as Nick Cave, Richard Long and Yinka Shonibare. Travertine, walnut and quartzite stone compose a textured and sophisticated yet minimalist enough material palette to support the displays within the domestic setting.
Bringing together a striking context, a love for art and the warm-climes vibe that Miami offers, Terracina combines the best of both worlds; privacy and urban refinement, and an open and flexible home that is tailor-made to its owners’ needs. §
