Oppenheim Architecture adapts Miami Beach home for tropical living
Miami studio Oppenheim Architecture has overhauled a local house to allow residents to divide their time between indoors and out (+ slideshow).
The 9,000 square foot (836 square metres) Villa Allegra was adapted from a "nondescript, one-storey home" according to the architects.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture_dezeen_936_3-852x1363.jpg)
The studio added an extra floor and created partially enclosed areas to maximise the potential for outdoor living, which is feasible practically year-round thanks to Miami Beach's tropical climate.
When arriving at the property, guests enter through a double-height proch. In the centre of this space, a square pool aligns perfectly with a skylight above it.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture-square-featured_dezeen_3408_0-1-852x852.jpg)
Oppenheim Architecture designed this feature to "activate the space with reflection and luminance".
The side of the double-height outdoor room that is open to the elements can be closed off by a dramatic curtain, which provides residents with more privacy.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture_dezeen_3408_1-852x639.jpg)
The ground floor encompasses three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
These are located on the periphery, while the centre of the house is occupied by a double-height living space.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture_dezeen_936_2-852x1137.jpg)
"The large room organises the house into private and public realms," explained the studio.
This expansive area overlooks a landscaped pool at the back of the residence. It contains living and dining functions in an open-plan layout.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture_dezeen_936_0-852x638.jpg)
The kitchen is accessed from this space, but is separated from the main room by a sliding door. A games room occupies the corner of the house, and also leads to the generous back yard.
Outside, an exterior patio contains a dining table and lounge chairs. While open towards views of the water, it is sheltered by an overhanging roof, and partially enclosed on two sides.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture-additional_dezeen_936_2-852x639.jpg)
A centrally-located white cylinder appears to be a column, but actually contains a circular shower that is open to the elements above.
Upstairs, the master bedroom has access to a private terrace overlooking the pool. A secondary enclosed terrace allows the owners to be outdoors while retaining their privacy.
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/villa-allegra-oppenheim-architecture-additional_dezeen_936_1-852x638.jpg)
Another project in Miami that also encourages outdoor living is a house with two outdoor decks that span its length, designed by husband-and-wife duo Jacob and Melissa Brillhart as their own residence.
Photography is by Laziz Hamani.
Project credits:
Principal in charge: Chad Oppenheim
Project Manager: Juan Calvo
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/02-villa-allegra-oppenheim-siteplan-sized.gif)
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/01-villa-allegra-oppenheim-floorplan-sized.gif)
![Villa Allegra by Oppenheim Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/03-villa-allegra-oppenheim-floorplan-sized.gif)