Artistic Movement in San Marino Island Home

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An embodiment of its exclusive setting, a magnificent property at the tip of San Marino Island stuns with vast, unobstructed views of Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay. Home to two passionate philanthropists and art collectors, the dwelling integrates modern architecture with carefully curated interiors that are ideal for the homeowners’ regular gatherings. The architectural brainchild of Raphael Levy, principal at Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design, the residence is centered on maximizing views enveloped by the firm’s distinct brand of tropical modernism.

  “Each room was designed to respond to its own needs in relationship to the overall site, ultimately creating a fluent environment that optimizes the ideal Miami Beach lifestyle,” says Levy. “Building this dynamic 12,000-square-foot floor plan with distinct volumes and floating spaces allowed the owners to spectacularly showcase their art collection.”

  Working collaboratively with the architects and the clients, designers Charlotte Dunagan and Tom Diverio conceptualized interiors that would speak to the tropical modern aesthetic and the enchanting water features surrounding the home, as well as provide a setting worthy of the works in the museum-quality art collection.

“We wanted to make sure the design provided a neutral backdrop for the art to be the main focus,” says Dunagan. “All our selections had to be durable yet sophisticated to create a timeless, elegant look. We custom designed all the millwork fabricated by Italkraft and collaborated with Acoustic Architects to create a museum-like lighting design for the significant artworks throughout the house.”

From the moment visitors pass through the private front entrance gate, they are greeted by a massive pivot door that sets the tone for the home’s grand scale. The exterior materials inform the interior color palette with a garage and front entry door clad in a porcelain compound that emulates the richness of natural wood but without the maintenance. Black porcelain slabs lend stark contrast while complementing the warm wood-like tones, and a contemplative fountain feature displays Gino Miles’ rotating stainless steel Toro sculpture—the first of many compelling forms defining the property.

“The wife was a huge influence on the interior design,” says Diverio. “She wanted a clean look with comforting warmth and low maintenance, so we meticulously selected materials meeting said criteria. We used a refined blend of wood tones such as walnut to warm up the living spaces and created contrast with lustrous marble floors and bathroom walls.”

A double-height foyer encased in glass dazzles guests from the exterior courtyard, staging a mesmerizing visual display of sinuous sculptural pieces, colossal artworks, and brilliant lighting installations. An illuminated floating staircase creates an architectural focal point framing a slender two-story white sculptural work entitled Teardrop by Spanish artist Santiago Villanueva. The second-floor landing houses ethereal statement paintings, including Kelly Reemtsen’s Rise Up, which depicts a stylish woman in a diaphanous dress standing on a ladder.

An innovative custom lighting installation by the French brand Blackbody presides over the dining room, where a breathtaking two-story fireplace towers adjacent to a glass wall, enabling an electrifying display from the exterior. The elegant dining space merges with a massive open kitchen boasting one of the largest islands ever designed by the Dunagan Diverio team. Ample counter space includes a galley sink nearly six feet long, providing the ideal workstation for any master chef or caterer. A custom La Cornue range and hood compose an elegant focal point framed in a Calacatta marble surround, punctuating the sleek walnut and white lacquer cabinetry. A built-in circular banquette carves into the end of the island, poised to take in splendid ocean views of the bay, and an unexpected piece by artist Tom Box titled Blah Blah Blah finds a place of prominence on the back wall. Outside the kitchen, a lavish grill station with integrated roll-down screens to protect against inclement weather, creates a glorious alfresco setting perfect for gatherings both large and small.

“The architecture of the home allows the owners to open the large glass walls, creating a flexible indoor/outdoor living space crucial to hosting all the events they hold throughout the year,” notes Diverio. “A true collaboration between the clients, the architects, and our design team, this project allowed us to construct a series of unique spaces to provide a spectacular backdrop for the owners’ amazing art collection as well as a stunning home they will enjoy for years to come.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Charlotte Dunagan & Tom Diverio, Dunagan Diverio Design Group, Coral Gables, FL

Architecture by Raphael Levy, Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design, Miami, FL

Builder Authentic Construction, Miami, FL

Landscape Architecture by Christopher Cawley

Text by Jeanne Delathouder

Photography by Kris Tamburello, Miami, FL

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