Gold Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025
Architect / Designer:
Maricarmen Martinez
Studio:
Upstairs Studio Inc
Design Team:
Architecture:
Maricarmen Martinez, Monica Socorro, Patricia Ponce, Renata Mascarenhas, Aniliet Martinez, Amanda Caraballo
MEP:
RCI Engineering, Inc
Structural:
THM Structural Consulting
Builder:
Newport Property Construction
Copyright:
Upstairs Studio Inc
Country:
United States
This bespoke home design focuses on creating a sanctuary that seamlessly blends comfort with a strong connection to nature, tailored specifically to the clients’ vision. Key design features, such as textured screens for cross ventilation, a skylight that fills circulation spaces with soft natural light, and the careful selection of materials, foster a cozy and open atmosphere. The home’s design promotes natural ventilation and maximizes natural light, with large windows and strategic orientation that reduce the need for artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. Earthy colors and rich textures throughout the interior create a warm, inviting environment, while the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces encourages a close connection with the surrounding landscape. Notably, the house features indoor gardens and a reading courtyard that connects the entry and dining area to the family room, creating peaceful transitions between spaces and further enhancing the natural ambiance. The courtyard acts as a natural extension of the living area, promoting relaxation and offering views of lush greenery. Planters are incorporated into both interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the natural beauty of the home and contributing to the air quality. The design also incorporates breeze blocks, which serve as both a shading element and a stylistic feature, contributing to the home’s Miami Bohemian funky aesthetic. These breeze blocks provide visual interest while shading key areas of the home from direct sunlight, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures while adding texture and a playful, eclectic vibe. Furthermore, the home reuses solar panels from the existing house, supporting sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing the need for new materials. The house also utilizes oolite, a locally sourced stone, which enhances the connection to the region’s natural environment and adds a unique, durable material to the design. Sustainable strategies are central to the project, with locally sourced natural materials like timber and stone, and energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, high-performance insulation, and water-saving fixtures. The home also incorporates passive cooling through cross ventilation and by including solar panels it further reduces energy consumption. Every detail in this home is crafted to offer a harmonious blend of light, nature, and comfort, ensuring a luxurious yet eco-conscious living space that reflects the clients’ desire for a personalized retreat with a vibrant, eclectic style.
Upstairs Studio Inc
Our boutique design studio creates bespoke, purposeful spaces tailored to our clients’ vision, the site, and its use. We value collaboration, working closely with clients throughout the entire process.
Our approach is grounded in three guiding criteria:
Beautiful: We aim to design beautiful spaces that inspire and bring joy and deeper meaning to everyday life.
Functional: We prioritize functionality in design, ensuring spaces are practical, adaptable, and enhance the users’ lifestyle.
Permanent: We focus on durability and sustainability, using materials and methods that ensure long-lasting, timeless designs.
In every project, we aspire to blend beauty, functionality, and permanence, creating spaces that are not only remarkable but also enduring and deeply connected to their surroundings. This ethos guides our work and defines our legacy as a studio dedicated to the art and craft of thoughtful design.