Architecture Wednesday: Miami River House

The design for this house relies on a back-to-the-basics approach and a study of architectural models like the Dog Trot, which for well over a century, has been a dominant image representing what is called Florida Cracker architecture.

The small, simple, and practical building is both modest and rich; it attempts to maximize efficiency, space, and energy; relies on vernacular building materials, and celebrates the balmy breezes.

The homes is elevated five feet off the ground, and includes 100 feet of uninterrupted glass — 50 feet spanning the full length of both the front and back of the house, with four sets of sliding glass doors that allow the house to be entirely open when desired. The house also includes 800 square feet of outdoor living space, with both front and back porches; there are full shutters along the front façade for added privacy and protection against the elements.

These details, and the position of the house, set at the center of a 330-foot long lot, allow the house to meld seamlessly with the site’s dense and lush native landscaping.

It’s small, but it’s wide open, and set in amongst these trees and vines, it’s almost the perfect place to escape.

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