FLORIDA’S BEST AWARDS 2005

Builders Association of South Florida honors the BEST of 2005
Beilinson Gomez Architects’ Best of Show winner features progression of buildings
Turchin Residence

Architecture that responds to South Florida’s tropical climate and encourages the use of outdoor spaces helped nab the Best of Show awarded for Beilinson Gomez Architects.

The single-family custom home on Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach incorporates designs that embraced existing landscape features of the site. Instead of a single structure, the architects guided by John Turchin’s creative expertise and experience designed a progression of buildings to create an abstract composition. The main house, a garage, a studio and a cabana each serve a different function. The grouping creates a rhythm of interior and exterior spaces, making the complex feel much larger than its actual 9,500 square feet.

A combination of angular and rounded architecture, domed and flat rooflines, plus arched windows and doorways, relates to Mediterranean style without relying on traditional formulas. In the yard, natural stone pavers, each bordered by a perimeter of grass, give a casual, yet elegant look.

A circular staircase winds around a lower adjacent to the main house. It supports the arms of a sail-like fabric sculpture that provides shade as well as eye appeal. The fabric can be furled when desired. A roofed, open gallery directly abuts the large, multi-level pool, and circular stairs lead down into the water. The master suite has its own covered terrace with doors leading from both the bedroom and bath.

A circular kitchen flows into the large, rectangular living room, creating geometric visual interest. Three sets of French doors lead to the dining room. Stone floors and open-beamed ceilings create the feel of indoor and outdoor flowing together.

The studio includes a first-floor terrace as well as a roof terrace, encouraging the use of the outdoors as additional living space. The building also has a gym, so the owners can work out with a view of the water. The cabana has an outdoor staircase that leads directly down into the pool. A stepping stone bridge provides a pathway across the pool, and a large, rounded fountain brings the soothing sound and look of running water.

Above the garage, an extra bedroom and en suite bath can serve as a private guesthouse. A dock with a boathouse is a home for the family’s watercraft.