The transformation of an existing penthouse apartment on Miami Beach into a peaceful minimalist residence required it to be completely gutted and reconstructed. We removed all extraneous walls to generate a highly flexible floor space of more than 8,000 square feet overlooking South Beach.

Capturing the essence of this urban coastal environment—where city merges into ocean and into sky—led to a neutral palette of wood, stone, and plaster. We installed floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors to frame views in three directions, while the interior focus is a large sculptural staircase that floats just above the lower floor. Spiraling up through the apartment, it connects the three floors—designated to living, lounging, and dreaming.

The Silva Penthouse is now regarded as one of the most coveted properties in Florida, not only for its location, aesthetic, and functionality, but also because it draws on our philosophy that ‘form follows feeling’, with a deference to nature and experiential design.

This serene, free-flowing home frames the most ideal lifestyle for this setting, providing a tranquil oasis for our busy clients. They can re-energize themselves through the design and the landscape, whilst also being situated just a stone’s throw from all the excitement offered by its South Beach location.