Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

The Art of Subtlety – Private Residence Bal Harbour by ONE D+B MIAMI

It is a deeply intentional composition that finds clarity in restraint and beauty in function.

Every line, texture, and volume speaks to a design sensibility attuned to both place and purpose—a modern sanctuary that embraces the quiet rhythm of coastal living while responding to the dynamic tempo of family life. Perched high above Bal Harbour’s coastline in one of the last designer-ready units of Oceana’s North Tower, this private residence presented a rare opportunity to reimagine luxury from the ground up. Guided by the client’s vision for a minimalist yet inviting home, architect Hugo Mijares orchestrated a complete transformation—crafting a tranquil interior that draws in both the Atlantic’s stillness and the vibrancy of the Miami skyline. The spatial approach began with a reconfiguration of the existing floor plan. The objective was clear: maximize panoramic views, improve circulation, and support a lifestyle that oscillates between quiet retreat and dynamic gatherings. The result is a flow-through unit that capitalizes on its dual exposure—framing morning light over the ocean and golden-hour views over the city—with spaces that feel both expansive and intimately scaled.

"Facing the ocean, the residence finds harmony in simplicity—luxurious, functional, and refined in every detail."

Flexibility was essential. The client, a discerning connoisseur of both design and function, required a home that could host intimate dinners for two as easily as multigenerational family visits. The plan responds with a thoughtful rhythm of public and private zones, where generous communal areas sit adjacent to secluded retreats, ensuring each room maintains its own sense of identity and comfort. A restrained yet expressive material palette sets the tone throughout the residence. White oak and walnut form the architectural backbone, softening the geometry and infusing warmth into every space. Pietra Grey stone, laid in a precise running bond, grounds the palette with quiet elegance. This symphony of materials was carefully chosen not for ornamentation but for their ability to reflect and absorb light—creating a space that feels both substantial and serene, shifting throughout the day with the sun’s path.

One of the most compelling gestures within the space is the series of custom walnut fins that modulate openness and privacy at the entry. These pivoting elements are both architectural and sculptural—establishing thresholds while maintaining fluidity. This design solution encapsulates the residence’s core philosophy: adaptability without compromise, form guided by function.

"Designed for solitude and connection, the home adapts elegantly and effortlessly to different ways of living."

Lighting, in its layered subtlety, is as critical as any material element. Flos magnetic tracks and cove lighting frame each space with precision, guiding the eye while establishing mood. Art pieces are illuminated with quiet deference, while sculptural lamps and pendant fixtures lend a domestic intimacy to the expansive interiors. The lighting design does not merely reveal the architecture—it enhances the emotional tone of each room. Technological integration elevates the residence beyond aesthetics. A comprehensive home automation system delivers seamless control over lighting, climate, audio-visual, and security systems, adapting to the client’s routines with grace and discretion. This invisible infrastructure enhances daily living, blending innovation into the home’s architectural fabric with a level of sophistication that remains unobtrusive.

Executing a project of this scale and precision within a high-rise context came with challenges. Strict working hours, accelerated timelines, and complex logistics required military-grade coordination. Yet it was through this disciplined process that the design achieved its refined clarity. Every element—from custom millwork to lighting integration—was choreographed with rigorous attention to detail, yielding an interior that is both visually seamless and technically precise.

Perhaps the most rewarding measure of success is the client’s response. Not only did the residence exceed their expectations in daily function and comfort, but the collaboration was so fruitful that a second unit is now underway. This speaks volumes about the integrity of the design process and the emotional resonance of the finished space.

Above all, the Private Residence at Bal Harbour is a celebration of architectural intentionality—where form, function, and feeling align. It’s a home that doesn’t just reflect a coastal lifestyle, but elevates it through restraint, refinement, and an abiding respect for light, material, and space. Surrounded by expansive ocean views, this residence finds its rhythm in simplicity. Every element serves a purpose—quietly luxurious, deeply functional, and unmistakably refined. Designed for both solitude and connection, the home adapts gracefully to changing needs—offering elegance without excess and intimacy without compromise.