Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

The residence emerges as an emotional sanctuary where architecture embraces memories, aspirations, and the longing to belong. Each space was imagined to convey calm, intimacy, and the quiet beauty of a home shaped by light, materiality, and the personal story of its inhabitants.

Designed by Caroline Andrusko Arquitetos, this 1,500 m2 Miami residence was born from the desire of a Brazilian couple with four children who, after three decades living in the United States, longed for a home that echoed their roots. The husband, a leading corporate executive, and the wife, devoted to her family and academic pursuits, sought a generous and welcoming space capable of expressing identity. That aspiration became the guiding force behind every project decision. The clients already knew the architect’s sensibility, having entrusted her with a previous residence in Brazil. However, when purchasing the property in Miami, they found an already approved project with which they felt no connection. They invited Caroline to redesign the entire proposal—both its architectural concept and interior configuration. What began as a review evolved into a profound reinterpretation of domestic life.

"In every space, the desire to preserve the family’s essence becomes evident, creating a home where light, memories, and natural materials coexist in harmony and emotion."

Although local regulations prohibited structural changes to windows, the roof, or concrete exterior walls, the studio successfully introduced a Contemporary Farmhouse character that visually unified the facade and created coherence between the exterior and interior. The integration of vegetation with architectural elements added fluidity and movement, softening the symmetry that defines certain areas. Each gesture responds to the balance between technical constraints and creative freedom.

Spread across two levels, the home is organized around a central circulation axis that divides the floorplan symmetrically. From the entrance hall, a wide opening frames the pool and outdoor terrace, allowing natural light to take center stage. On the ground floor, the left wing accommodates social spaces: the kitchen, family room, formal living area, and gourmet space. In contrast, the right wing houses leisure and service areas, including a cinema, game room, gym, laundry, and a guest suite.

"The residence becomes a gesture of belonging, a refuge that celebrates identity, heritage, and the quiet significance of building meaningful stories in a place that feels truly one’s own."

The upper floor mirrors the symmetrical organization, dedicating the left wing entirely to the master suite, a spacious ensemble comprising a bedroom, bathroom, two walk-in closets, and a home office. The right wing features four complete suites, each with its own balcony, closet, and private bathroom, plus an additional laundry room to support daily routines. The layout reflects the need to offer privacy without compromising family cohesion.

Lighting became one of the project’s greatest challenges. Strict fire safety regulations limited the quantity and placement of lighting points, requiring a precise and thoughtful approach. In collaboration with Alma Light, the studio developed a scheme inspired by the essence of Brazilian light—warm, meticulous, and defined by subtle detail. The home theater demanded specific technical solutions to ensure optimal performance without sacrificing visual comfort.

The material palette reinforces the welcoming atmosphere the family envisioned. Extensive wood paneling creates visual continuity and enhances the feeling of home. Natural textures, artisanal textiles, linen curtains, cotton rugs, and independent designer pieces come together to form an aesthetic language that merges moderated rusticity with contemporary freshness. Every environment was designed to convey serenity and emotional resonance.

One of the project’s most expressive moments unfolds in a hybrid space that functions as a library, home office, and leisure room. Here, a collection of meaningful family objects, a piano, and a pool table interact with custom shelving and the warmth of crafted furniture. It is an architectural portrait of family memory—a place where study, music, play, and reflection coexist. All electrical and plumbing installations were adapted to U.S. technical standards, requiring meticulous coordination throughout construction. Completed in late 2024, the residence represents yet another international milestone for the Brazilian studio.