The Intermission

Nestled within a serene, wooded neighborhood defined by expansive lots and rich vegetation, this single-family home is designed to harmonize with both the local and tropical landscapes that surround it. The home’s thoughtful placement and orientation maximize sunlight while offering breathtaking views of the lush, ever-changing environment. A private courtyard conceals a serene swimming pool and outdoor space, providing a tranquil vantage point over a vibrant meadow that transitions with the seasons.

The language of the courtyard is thoughtfully integrated throughout the home, with smaller, intimate courtyards positioned at various locations, each offering a sense of enclosure and connection to nature while enhancing privacy and natural light within the home.

The exterior volumes of the home are carefully arranged to provide a feeling of safety and enclosure, creating a sense of shelter without overwhelming or creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. This arrangement allows the spaces to remain open, inviting, and connected to the surrounding landscape, offering the perfect balance between protection and openness.

Exterior colors are carefully selected to distinguish and animate the public areas of the home, while maintaining a refined, understated aesthetic that offers an element of surprise as one approaches the residence. The home features two primary entrances: a traditional front entry and a secondary, more intimate access point leading guests to the rear garden, pool area, and pool house.

The open interior layout is designed to accommodate the homeowners' love of entertaining and socializing, while maintaining a clear distinction between public and private realms. Spatial boundaries are subtly defined through strategic material choices and ceiling treatments in the main living and dining areas.

A bridge separates the more private zones—such as the office and master bedroom—from the main public areas, offering a sense of movement and separation while maintaining an open, airy connection. This bridge also serves a functional purpose: beneath it, a dry-bed captures rainwater and runoff, allowing water to flow naturally away from the site and promoting sustainable water management.

This design celebrates both connection and privacy, seamlessly blending modern living with the beauty of its local and tropical vegetated environment while embracing sustainable, site-responsive strategies.