LESLIE HOUSE

6,000 sf Duplex, Miami, USA

2021 - 2024 Under Construction

The site is located two streets down from the Callo Ocho, a historic Cuban street in the center of Miami. Leslie and Terry desired to design a ‘unique’ house in Little Havana that complemented the rich history and vibrant culture of the area. This duplex stands out as a monolithic figure, unlike a conventional duplex, where two units have contrasting aesthetics. The front unit is more open and welcomes people to the central living area with a pool deck. In contrast, the rear unit is secluded by the existing ficus tree and rear garden. “Monolithic, Interlocking, and Blended” was the vision for the design. Monolithic: a monument among the colorful streets, Interlocking: flexible flow between all aspects of the structure, and Blended: harmony with its natural surroundings. 

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UNIQUE The clients wanted a house that paid homage to the diverse natural and cultural beauty of Little Havana. 

SEQUENCE  The lot is long and deep. Dividing the long mass allows for the tenants to have different experiences throughout the sequence.

CARVING Using the giant ficus tree as a carving tool and carving the mass around the tree gives the surrounding rooms a treehouse vibe.

OPENING Due to an existing five-story building to the north, the main view is open to the south. The pool deck is also exposed to the sun and is centrally located for both units. Light continues to shine into the living room through the glass bottom of the pool.