Angel Oaks Residence

On a large suburban lot in South Miami, American studio [STRANG] Design has created a series of small wonders. Together they have resulted in the Angel Oaks Residence project, a villa protected by ancient oak trees, located just a few minutes from the city centre. Looking from afar, it gives the impression that its structural form has always been there. Disguised and inexplicably extraordinary.
Designing it was «a challenge», says Alexandra Mangimelli, managing director of design and partner at [STRANG]. «We floated foundations around roots, and the outer second-floor walls came within centimetres of the branches.» 
Owned by a Brazilian couple with two children, the H-shaped house develops over 929 square metres. It all revolves around a courtyard, while a bridge over the main living room connects the two wings.

The exploration of materiality begins right at the entrance with concrete, Jerusalem stone, Ipe wood and travertine, which gives it a welcoming, fresh, simple, but at the same time, very sophisticated atmosphere. The prolific use of teak on the walls, ceilings and furniture adds an organic warmth to the interiors, where artworks give it a very balanced touch of colour. But we’ll get to that in a moment.
It's as if the outside lives on the inside. The ground floor takes advantage of the deep overhangs, blurring the lines between what’s inside and what’s outside. At the same time, the upper floor accentuates privacy with recessed windows. Surrounded by lush foliage that can be easily admired through the sliding glass, the pure lines and textures express a design envisioned to stand the test of time. 

The pure lines and textures express a design envisioned to stand the test of time

The owners’ background was of great inspiration, both in the elaboration of the architectural project and the interior design. From the shape of the house to the materials and design pieces. Overlooking the pool, the living room is anchored by a Soriana sofa and armchairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. It also features the Apparatus Median 3 surface mount and wall lamp and a Gubi 9602 floor lamp. 
In the kitchen, the Senior Lounge armchairs are designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Brazilian architect who was deeply inspired by the innovative work of Oscar Niemeyer. The dining room has been decorated with a Haywire chandelier by David Krynauw and the walls covered in Burmese teak. There are Sergio Rodrigues chairs, a Thonet table, a Herman Miller Nelson Platform bench, a Sika Design ottoman and art by Jonny Niesche, among many others. Everything designed to meet the desires, needs and tastes of the residents. How can you not be fascinated?