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Collection by Emma Janzen

Passive Materials Cool this Bright White Tropical Home

Concrete and granite fill a refreshingly minimal update in Coconut Grove, Florida.

When architect Sebastian Eilert was asked to renovate a 1960s-era single story residence in Coconut Grove, Florida, he wanted to respect the original structure and footprint of the building while updating the roofing and materials to be more climate appropriate and dependable. Though he didn’t pursue green building certification, many decisions were made with sustainability in mind, resulting in a finished product that’s energy-efficient and built to last.

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The home's potential for outward expansion was limited, so new glass doors and windows were installed in a storefront configuration (a decision not common to residential construction) to provide ample natural light for the main entrance.
The home's potential for outward expansion was limited, so new glass doors and windows were installed in a storefront configuration (a decision not common to residential construction) to provide ample natural light for the main entrance.
A tumbled granite feature wall greets guests as they enter through the front of the house. The only enclosed area in the building lies behind the wall, separating the front entryway from the living areas.
A tumbled granite feature wall greets guests as they enter through the front of the house. The only enclosed area in the building lies behind the wall, separating the front entryway from the living areas.
Passageways on either side of the enclosure create a clear view from the front entrance to the back of the house. At the behest of the client, all materials, appliances, and fixtures are clean and simple to keep the overall scheme as minimal as possible. No baseboards or trim were installed, and the only wood elements present are interior doors and windowsills.
Passageways on either side of the enclosure create a clear view from the front entrance to the back of the house. At the behest of the client, all materials, appliances, and fixtures are clean and simple to keep the overall scheme as minimal as possible. No baseboards or trim were installed, and the only wood elements present are interior doors and windowsills.
Untethered from the walls, the kitchen appears to float anchorless in the center of the room. The stainless steel appliances don’t have handles to keep the look uncluttered. The island made of poured concrete offers pop-up power outlets as charging stations for electronics. LED lights help reduce energy needs.
Untethered from the walls, the kitchen appears to float anchorless in the center of the room. The stainless steel appliances don’t have handles to keep the look uncluttered. The island made of poured concrete offers pop-up power outlets as charging stations for electronics. LED lights help reduce energy needs.
The bathrooms feature the same polished concrete flooring and poured concrete counters found elsewhere in the home. A honed granite recessed shower provides a visual counterpoint to the sea of white and steel.
The bathrooms feature the same polished concrete flooring and poured concrete counters found elsewhere in the home. A honed granite recessed shower provides a visual counterpoint to the sea of white and steel.
White stained, salt treated blocks of concrete were installed in a symmetrical pattern throughout the backyard area instead of a deck.
White stained, salt treated blocks of concrete were installed in a symmetrical pattern throughout the backyard area instead of a deck.
A pool and outdoor shower fixture were added during the renovation. Shadows from nearby palm trees cast dramatic silhouettes on the blank canvas of a house.
A pool and outdoor shower fixture were added during the renovation. Shadows from nearby palm trees cast dramatic silhouettes on the blank canvas of a house.