Organic Minimalism Brings Serenity to Key Biscayne

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As if the sensibilities of two continents came together with a Brazilian vibe, designer Jessica Jaegger and her South American clients were in total synchrony as they began to reimagining a 5,020-square- foot condo serenely positioned high above the beaches of Key Biscayne.

Dedicated to a kind of “organic minimalism” that would best show off their art collection and stay true to their environmentalist approach to living, the owners preferred a pared-down design—but one that would also create a warm home for their four children.

Jaegger notes her own commitment to natural woods and stone. She says she found delight in introducing the natural texture of wide-plank French oak flooring, of positioning a massive carved-marble  James Irving dining table, and designing a paneled entry of three-inch French oak. 

Because the owners specified that their new home’s walls be the white, expansive canvas upon which their many works of art would be showcased, other necessities that traditionally go on walls were spare. Unadorned cabinets and shelving crafted from white lacquered wood are found in the living room, dining room, and media room. Furniture is low and sleek. “The living room’s Poliform linen-covered sofa and the Sergio Rodrigues wood chairs never obscure the view of the water—or the walls,” says Jaegger. But what does turn all eyes is a dramatic chaise by Oscar Niemeyer: part caned rocker, part free-form sculpture.

Overlooking the dining area and its 9-foot-long Carrara marble table from Luminaire, a monolithic art photo by Vik Muniz shows “Beethoven” created from pieces of refuse—another nod to the environment.

From the dining room, a short trip down a hall to the media room allows the family to gather and play. Here, a hanging basket chair of woven polymer cord by Patricia Urquiola and an ultra-soft frameless sofa by Ligne Roset ensure comfort and informality. 

Encircling the entire condominium, some of the 1,145 feet of broad balcony is seen from the expansive master bedroom. Here, a diminutive Nelson Swag desk and photographic art by Brazilian photographer Maritza Caneca complement the blues and greys found in the rug—and the reflections of the sea beyond. In the two master baths, bespoke glass mosaics cover the walls. The sense of serenity and space is heightened with the use of flooring in massive 36 by 36 inch marble slabs from Opustone.

While the master suite occupies one end of the apartment, the other three bedrooms and additional three and a half baths are at the other end. There, as with many young children, “bunking” with a sibling is better than sleeping alone. And in the case of a bedroom that comes with its own playhouse, Jessica Jaegger made a masterpiece. In pinks and greens and whites, each child finds a private space, with what appear to be under-bunk drawers that convert into beds for rollicking sleepovers. Even the overhead playhouse has a view.

And there are no worries if it’s not a “beach day.” The city-sea panorama can be enjoyed every day from wide outdoor galleries that expand the apartment’s living area. Nestled on the balcony and backed by thick tinted-glass panels that from afar, give the building a verdigris glow, Dedon’s round wicker sofa and utilitarian table and chairs seem to say, “Stay a while. And listen to the samba of the sea.”

Story Credits: 

Interior Design by Jessica Jaegger, Jaegger Interior Design, Miami, FL

Builder Paul Chavez, CH Construction Group, Miami, FL

Text by Marina Brown

Photography by Kris Tamburello, Miami, FL

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