A memorable impression from both water and land seems blissfully befitting to the architectural grandeur of a monumental property in Coral Gables. With boats poised at the dock on an adjacent canal, the residence sits in a gated community, secluded by a green tapestry of strategically placed native plant species. Exemplifying a tropical modern style, this home’s roots extend deep into the architectural tradition of the Florida vernacular.
Designed by architects Rafael Portuondo and Jose Luis Gonzalez-Perotti, the property encompasses 10,875 square feet of indoor space and 11,302 square feet of outdoor grounds. With its design, Portuondo and Gonzalez-Perotti aimed to create a contemporary structure that seamlessly integrates key elements of Florida’s unique architectural heritage. Drawing inspiration from Cuban Modernism, particularly the works of Cuban architect Mario Romañach, the architects’ approach balances modern aesthetics with traditional Florida characteristics. “Romañach, a celebrated figure in Cuban Modernism, was renowned for innovative designs that harmoniously blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating environments that were both functional and poetic,” says Portuondo. “His work is celebrated for its elegance, sophistication, and deep connection to the surrounding landscape—qualities we sought to emulate in this project.”
As a fundamental part of their design philosophy, the architectural team incorporated native materials such as oolitic limestone and coral stone. These materials, celebrated for their historical significance and natural beauty, were used in both their raw and sculpted forms. “This approach not only pays homage to local building practices but also ensures the residence resonates with the natural landscape, creating a cohesive and enduring architectural statement,” notes Portuondo.
A crucial project element involved fostering a solid connection between the house and its natural surroundings, emphasizing the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance the living experience. To achive this goal, Portuondo collaborated with Miami landscape architect Lewis Aqüi. Born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Aqüi left his native country after completing high school at age 16. He later graduated from Louisiana State University’s School of Landscape Architecture in Baton Rouge, and moved to South Florida to begin his professional career in a setting reminiscent of his tropical South American surroundings.
“Rafael and I have collaborated on several projects together, and we can read each other’s minds when it comes to finding the most suitable solutions,” says Aqüi. “We sit down at the very early stages of every collaboration to discuss the aspects, elements, and conditions that will affect the final design.”
As a result, the landscape design flows organically to complement the architecture, highlighting its most prominent features. With input from the homeowners, who are avid plant connoisseurs, Aqüi’s plant palette includes a combination of South Florida native foliage accented with adapted and exotic species. “Amid the property’s abundance of plants, the clients wanted to achieve a tropical, lush garden aesthetic without the chaos of a jungle,” he notes, “so I gave them a controlled tropical look. Groupings of live oaks, gumbo limbo trees, leopard trees, and Florida silver thatch palms are randomly yet strategically located throughout the property, along with a massing of shrubs and ground covers that contrast with the austerity and strong geometry of the architecture.”
As guests arrive at the estate via a porphyry cobblestone-like driveway, a bosque of Phoenix sylvestris date palms majestically guarding the front yard greets them. At the entrance, four bright orange-copper urns trickling water provide soothing, meditative murmurs. A pair of metal gates with coral-clad screens frame the axial entrance, and as you enter, you pass through a single-story breezeway into a grand open interior courtyard flanked by symmetrical coral-clad wings with enchanting rooftop gardens.
“We embraced modern classicism, where one would enter the home through a courtyard,” says Portuondo. “A transparent central core allows an uninterrupted view from the front courtyard through the great room to the backyard and pool terraces. At the rear, a canal connects to the bay, offering scenic views from the primary bedroom and barbecue terrace.”
Exiting the house from the back, a dazzling oversized pool and spa capped with a towering trellis provides a stately terminus to the breathtaking view from the house. The spa overlooks the canal beyond with an overflow that spills into a lower basin water feature. Due to the elevation change, the rear open lawn is contained by a native oolite retaining wall and steps leading down to the dock. Terrace planters with agave attenuata and cascading succulent plants mixed with black Mexican river rock embellish the space.
“There is no greater satisfaction than for a project on paper to come up off the ground,” says Aqüi, “and the greatest gratification is that the clients are happy with the result.”
In expressing an architectural reverence for traditional Florida vernacular styles, Portuondo and Gonzalez-Perotti also prioritized sustainability and environmental consciousness, incorporating large overhangs and horizontal screens to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. “This residence stands as a testament to the beauty of thoughtful design,” says Portuondo. “It’s a project where modern innovation meets the timeless charm of Florida’s architectural heritage, creating a sanctuary that resonates with the spirit of its place.”
Story Credits:
Architectural Design by Rafael Portuondo & Jose Luis Gonzalez-Perotti, Portuondo Perotti Architects, Miami, FL
Project Manager Jorge Landa, Portuondo Perotti Architects, Miami, FL
Landscape Architecture by Lewis E. Aqüi, Lewis Aqüi Landscape + Architectural Design, Miami, FL
Builder Dorlom Construction, Miami, FL
Text by Jenee Destin
Photography by Steven Brooke, Coral Gables, FL
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