Size: 17,674 square feet
Type: Single-Family Residencial, Landscape and Interior Renovation
Location: Miami Beach, FL
We were asked to renovate the interior and exterior of an original Rufus Nims house that had been bastardized by innumerable additions throughout the years. The task at hand wasn’t easy as the client didn’t want to lose precious real estate and her budget was very restricted. Our approach was to eliminate every architectural element that had been applied as decoration, demolish unnecessary interior partitions, expose as many original structural elements as we could, and open interior views towards the water. The common interior spaces became the appropriate environment to showcase the client’s private art collection. The master bedroom and bathroom were reconfigured and connected to create the feel of a small private spa. Outdoors, the pool deck concrete base was exposed, polished and cut out to open room for new ground covers and to help alleviate bad drainage. The pool was refinished with a dark plaster and a semi-round bench with water spouts was built next to it to give it the look of a fountain, enhance the filtration system and mark the main entry. Existing large banyan trees were protected and strategically pruned to create the right amount of shade and light around the pool deck. On the water side, two wood decks were designed to connect the indoors with the outdoors, with the help of an existing wood trellis that was repaired and simplified. Beds of tall grasses, native vines and granite screenings were used to achieve the look of an understated beach house.
Interior, Exterior and Landscape Design: Mauricio Del Valle Design in collaboration with Collaborative Independent
Construction: Professional Building Solutions
Landscape Installation: Tropical Falls
Photography: Dale Stain and MDVD