Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Few materials can so effortlessly capture the essence of coastal living as pale European oak. In Gin Lane, designed and built in collaboration with Knauf Koenig Group, RIVA Spain’s RIVA MAX Sand planks become more than flooring—they are the unifying element that ties together architecture, furniture, and light. Their presence elevates every room, creating an atmosphere that feels at once expansive and intimate.

Set within Port Royal, Naples’ most sought-after enclave, the residence reflects a sophisticated interpretation of Florida coastal living: airy, elegant, and attuned to its natural context. The design palette embraces openness—white walls, high ceilings, and walls of glass are grounded by the wide-plank European oak floors. At 10 inches wide, the RIVA MAX Sand planks introduce a sense of scale and continuity, their select-grade composition ensuring minimal knots and a clean, refined appearance. The sandy tone harmonizes with Naples’ light, reinforcing the connection between interior and shoreline. In the bedrooms, the oak softens the interplay between crisp whites and muted grays, creating a spa-like calm enhanced by upholstered furnishings and layered textiles. The kitchen achieves balance through contrast: dark walnut cabinetry, gleaming marble, and polished hardware are warmed by the pale oak underfoot, preventing the white-on-white scheme from appearing sterile. In the great room, where volumes expand and sliding doors blur the line between indoors and outdoors, the oak flooring maintains intimacy—anchoring the soaring space with a natural, grounding presence.

"Sand as the soul of a home"

What distinguishes Gin Lane is how a single material choice resonates throughout the entire design. RIVA Spain’s flooring is not merely a backdrop; it is the connective tissue, guiding movement, defining atmosphere, and mediating between light and shadow. Its subtle sand tone evokes the beach, yet its refinement aligns with contemporary luxury.

This project speaks to a broader movement in architecture and interiors: an embrace of natural, honest materials that simultaneously elevate and soothe. In a world increasingly defined by speed and overstimulation, homes like Gin Lane remind us that beauty can reside in restraint, in continuity, and in the quiet dialogue between architecture and craft.

"A rhythm of light, wood, and air"

The wine room and pantry offer a counterpoint, where dark walnut cabinetry creates a moody intimacy. Here, the oak flooring provides balance, ensuring the space feels refined rather than heavy. This juxtaposition—light beneath, darkness above—highlights how flooring can modulate spatial atmosphere without demanding attention.

The hallways demonstrate this philosophy with particular clarity. Acting as both passage and gallery, they feature sculptural lighting and curated art, with the pale oak planks elongating perspective and heightening luminosity. The effect is minimalist yet richly layered, the floors acting as silent guides through the home’s narrative.

Oak treads paired with white risers introduce a rhythm that echoes the seamless floors of the main living areas. This gesture establishes continuity from the first step inside, reinforcing the residence’s commitment to harmony. In every room, the select-grade grain serves as a quiet reminder of material authenticity, its smooth surface grounding the home’s airy volumes.

Ultimately, Gin Lane is a meditation on how architecture and material can merge into lived experience. RIVA Spain’s oak flooring not only embodies a visual and tactile elegance but also encodes the rhythm of coastal living—expansive yet serene, understated yet luxurious. It is a residence that demonstrates how detail, when executed with precision, can elevate an entire way of life.