Miami Drift is a new home for a young family that provides elegant modern living space, with seamless integration of resiliency measures. The house consists of two volumes that “drift” past each other, with a transparent stair in between. The increased perimeter allows for more glass, strategically located for maximum daylight while preserving lateral strength. Efficient layout of both house and site creates maximum function within a compact footprint.

The entire site was built up two feet to address future sea level rise, and the house is elevated on columns, to withstand flooding. The understory is 9’ tall, creating a pleasant, shaded outdoor living space for extreme Florida heat, including entry to the house, dining and lounge areas, grilling space, and outdoor shower. All windows and exterior doors are hurricane-resistant, and the building frame and floors are concrete. Finishes include durable materials such as tile, composite panels, and aluminum. The house is all-electric, and the mechanical system and ceiling fans circulate cool air to offset surrounding humidity. Overhangs and slatted screens limit the sun’s intensity while allowing natural daylight to permeate the interior.