Strang Design, the acclaimed Miami-based architecture and interior design studio, has delivered another masterwork of Environmental Modernism—a contemporary family residence that seamlessly unites modernist design principles with unmistakable Brazilian character.
Founded in 1998 by architect Max Strang, the firm has become synonymous with environmentally conscious design that respects context, climate, and culture. This latest project, set near Miami, was commissioned by a family of four originally from Brazil. From the outset, the brief called for a home that would honour their heritage while embracing sustainable design strategies.
A Dialogue Between Cultures and Context
The design process was highly collaborative, with the team placing the clients’ lifestyle and cultural traditions at the centre of every decision. The result is a warm, inviting residence that balances sophistication with lived-in comfort. Despite the home’s generous scale, Strang Design succeeded in creating an intimate sense of connectivity. Open-plan living areas encourage gathering, while quieter corners allow for privacy and personal activities.
To reflect the family’s Brazilian roots, the interior features vintage and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces sourced specifically for this project. These items bring authenticity and narrative to the spaces, grounding the modern architecture in cultural memory.
Natural Materials, Crafted with Purpose
Environmental stewardship was a defining challenge and opportunity for the design team. Sourcing sustainable, high-quality materials that met both aesthetic and environmental goals was central to the project. The floors throughout the house feature unfilled Travertine, chosen for its raw beauty and durability, used seamlessly indoors and outdoors to enhance continuity.
Teak slatted ceilings and walls introduce texture and warmth while providing a sustainable timber option. Exterior walls are clad in rough-cut Jerusalem stone, offering a tactile counterpoint to the home’s exposed board-formed concrete. Custom teak millwork accents add a consistent natural element throughout, reinforcing the warm, organic character of the interior.
Thoughtful Landscaping with a Wildlife Habitat
Recognising that environmental modernism extends beyond the building envelope, Strang Design collaborated closely with landscape architecture studio La Casona Garden. Together, they selected native plant species to reduce irrigation needs and support local biodiversity. A portion of the property was designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, demonstrating the team’s commitment to ecological responsibility.
Precision in Detail and Craft
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the interior specification. The kitchen was designed in partnership with Mia Cucina, renowned for its bespoke cabinetry solutions. Stone materials were sourced from Opustone, while lighting was curated from the distinctive Apparatus Studio collection. High-end appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf ensure both performance and longevity, and AV solutions were integrated by AVX for seamless technological comfort.
The Strang Design Philosophy
Max Strang’s firm is celebrated for advancing the principles of Environmental Modernism in challenging and exceptional locations worldwide. By combining rigorous sustainability with bold modernist forms, they create spaces that are both responsible and enduring. This Miami residence exemplifies that vision—offering a refined, sustainable, and deeply personal family home that celebrates the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary design.
