Miami, FL based architectural office Max Strang Architecture, completed the renovation for a residence which is located in Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove.  The residence was constructed in the 1980’s and is surrounded by flourishing tropical gardens.  The house had experienced two prior renovations and was quite mature for a design overhaul.  It is remarkable that the contemporary exterior of this residence served as a great catalyst for a more updated modern interior.

Strang, who is a Coconut Grove resident as well, wanted to redesign this house while keeping the exterior and give it a fresh new uplifted look.   The interior of the house was completely gutted out and redesigned by Strang and his associates to reveal a modern and fashionable feeling.  The glass-block partitions from the previous renovation were removed and the beige ‘popcorn stucco’ was scraped from almost every surface imaginable.  New wiring, plumbing, and central air were installed while several major interior structural walls were reconfigured and random window alignments were given order to create a clean design for the exterior.  The result is a crisp, modern “tree house” for a particular client who set the standards high.

The owner’s collection of large-format photography was a vital element in the formation of the interior and informed the new planar geometries. With the photography collection in mind, only preferred northern light fills the main living gallery.  The collection is displayed on the cool white walls of the residence.  While the white walls of the living gallery allow for abundant natural light to reflect into the house. The gray large tiles complement and contrast the white and off-white furniture of the house including the bathroom furniture piece, the remarkable corner sofa, and other main furniture pieces within the residence.


The top floor contains a spacious master suite, guest bedroom and reading loft.  The main entrance to the home is on the second floor, which contains the living, dining and kitchen areas.  Below is the realm of teenagers with two additional bedrooms and a den.  An outside terrace was added adjacent to the living room.  This new structure also serves as an airy carport below.

Minor but important exterior adjustments were made which maximized the flow of natural light into the house and gave spectacular views while respecting the overall budget of the project.   The new design achieved the goal which the architects and the owner set, to take full advantage of the amazing garden views. 

The stainless steel kitchen enjoys amazing views of the lush tropical exterior environment while the red seater and stools add an interesting accent to the gray toned kitchen.

Max Strang, Principal: Holds a degree in architecture from the University of Florida, and went on to receive a Masters Degree at Columbia University, along with an honor award for design excellence. Prior to launching his own firm, he worked for the world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid in London. Thereafter, Strang worked for New York-based SHoP Architects on the award-winning design for the Manhattan Museum of Sex (MOSEX). Of greatest influence, however, was Strang’s association with Florida architect, Gene Leedy. He was raised in a Leedy-designed home and later began his career at Gene's Winter Haven office. Leedy was an important member of the Sarasota School of Architecture movement and provided Strang with a solid background in classic modernism; Strang strongly believes in the fundamentals of environmental modernism.  The office focuses on architecture, master planning, consulting and interiors of residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings.

PROJECT DETAILS

project: Residence in Miami,FL
architect: Max Strang Architecture

Building Area: (sf) : 4,500sf
Cost per Square Foot:  $85/psf
Construction Cost: $400,000
Date of Substantial Completion: January 2008
Location of Project: Coconut Grove, FL
Type of Project: Major Renovation
Construction materials, mechanical systems or other pertinent information: CMU