Belle Meade House

Project Description

Belle Meade House is a complete reimagining of a 1950s home in Miami, carried out as an investment project. The house was purchased by a realtor with a clear goal to maximize its market value while keeping expenses under control. Rather than taking the usual quick fix approach, fresh paint, a new kitchen, and minor cosmetic updates, we set out to create real, lasting value by rethinking the architecture itself.

The original silhouette of the house has been carefully preserved, along with about 90% of its structural framework, including load-bearing walls, windows, and floor slabs. This not only honored the home’s history but also made the renovation highly cost-efficient. At the same time, we introduced thoughtful new elements, extensions at the front and in the spacious backyard, as well as an additional second-floor volume above the existing garage. This gave the house extra living space, including a bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom, substantially increasing both square footage and overall property value.

The design process explored a variety of scenarios, from bold, geometrically complex transformations to simpler, more minimalist solutions. In the end, the client chose a balanced strategy that combined speed of execution, crucial for investment projects, with meaningful architectural improvements.

Sustainability also played an important role in the project. By recycling and reusing existing materials wherever possible, we reduced waste, preserved character, and kept the renovation budget-friendly. This eco-conscious approach not only saved resources but also proved more profitable than starting from scratch.

The result is a modern, stylish home that feels entirely new while still retaining the essence of its original structure. More than just a flip, Belle Meade House demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can create beauty, value, and profit all at once.