Inside a Modern Beach House on Fisher Island

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It’s hardly a secret why the global elite are drawn to Fisher Island. A world of its own just three miles from the tip of Miami Beach, the private island offers the type of one-percent pleasures few get to experience. In terms of real estate, the enclave’s extravagant villas and condominiums reflect the intricate Moorish architectural influences inspired by the original 1920s homes once built there by William Kissam Vanderbilt II, the bon vivant who traded his 265-foot yacht for seven acres of the island back in 1927. It was the sum of all this that prompted a Chicago couple to choose the serene locale as an interlude home for their fast-paced lives.

From the outset, the owners had a clear vision for their new dwelling—a modern beach house interior that harmonized simplicity, craftsmanship, and elegance. Their search for excellence in design and execution led them to Holzrausch, a multi-award-winning German interior design studio based in Munich with an in-house joinery in nearby Forstern.

“This residence, in particular, captivates with breathtaking views through expansive, nearly frameless glass panels,” says Tobias Petri, cofounder of Holzrausch, who heads the company with Sven Petzold. “The building’s uninterrupted vistas stretch across the pristine beach and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a seamless connection to the surrounding natural beauty.”

Petri and Petzold both oversaw the 2,400-square-foot interior concept, creating a tranquil design that juxtaposes light-colored materials such as whitewashed European oak and Roman travertine floors with subtle contrasting accents. Functional elements and storage seamlessly integrate into custom millwork fixtures, blending practicality with aesthetic refinement. A local architect facilitated approvals and worked closely with the Holzrausch team to implement the concept alongside carefully selected local craftsmen and a general contractor. “The bespoke millwork, crafted with exceptional precision in Holzrausch’s workshops in Germany, was shipped vacuum-packed in custom wooden crates to Fisher Island,” notes Petri. “A team of 10 master carpenters spent weeks on-site to ensure its assembly was flawless.”

The contrast between the residence’s calm, restrained interior and its Moorish architectural exterior creates a striking experience. Holzrausch paid special attention to showcasing art, furniture, and a select few decorative pieces. The designers also collaborated with Dirk Lohan, grandson of Mies van der Rohe, and his wife, Cathy, on the design of bespoke furniture pieces. “The clients, passionate about personal touches, curated a collection of furniture and art during their travels in Europe, sourcing key items from Munich and Paris,” says Petri. “The result is a harmonious interplay of craftsmanship, timeless design, and personal narrative.”

The apartment was designed for maximum flexibility, seamlessly adapting to different usage scenarios. When the owners are home relaxing, sliding doors tuck smoothly into the millwork, flooding the space with natural light and offering uninterrupted views. When family and friends visit, the space transforms effortlessly for dinner parties or cocktail gatherings. All essential utilities are discreetly integrated into the custom-built wall units, ensuring the abode remains functional yet elegant.

“In this project, the clients took their time to provide thoughtful input, briefing us in detail and meeting with us in Munich, Paris, London, and on-site on the island,” Petri adds. “These collaborative sessions were productive and inspiring, resulting in an extraordinary individualized interior marked by exceptional craftsmanship. The residence is the perfect antidote to the bustle of the city and a true haven of harmony and tranquility.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Tobias Petri & Sven Petzold, Holzrausch, Munich, Germany

Text by Jenee Destin

Photography by Oliver Jaist, Vahrn, Italy

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