Casa Ischia

Designed by Choeff Levy Fischman, Casa Ischia is the epitome of Tropical Modernism. The two-story Miami Beach waterfront residence includes 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 2 powder rooms. For the owner, the concept of indoor-outdoor living was of the utmost importance. This was accomplished with vast opening sliding glass doors and the final location of rooms and their uses.

This was vital for the interaction between indoor spaces and outdoor spaces. The pool and water features were strategically positioned to interact with interior spaces. The design takes advantage of the water views at the rear of the home, while also creating spaces where the outdoors seem to be invading the interior spaces. Materials used in the interiors include stained Ipe wood and South American stone, which provide a warmer feeling to the otherwise modern design.

The concept behind the design was tropical modern with heavy influence of mid-century modern architecture. Structural elements were kept thin and exterior faces were designed to be as wide open as possible in order to maximize views of Biscayne Bay.

The exterior of the home features reflecting ponds at the main entrance and an infinity-edge pool in the backyard that overlooks the bay. Warm materials used throughout include stained Ipe wood combined with limestone decking in order to create a warm yet somewhat monochromatic feel in materials, which contrast the iridescent blue tile used in the pool and spa.

An outdoor kitchen and cabana can also be found in the rear of the home along with a mid-century style conversation pit. The sunken outdoor living room sits beneath the level of the pool, and is located between the pool and the outdoor summer kitchen and dining area. The interaction of the sunken pit with its neighbors, the pool and cabana make for an interesting social space. The pool steps and spa face Downtown Miami and the Bay so that anyone sitting in the pool can enjoy the views. The architects designed the home and amenity features keeping indoor-outdoor living in mind for a resort-style experience.