Courtyard Space in an Interior Lot

Fernwood Road

Residential

2025

This project is located in Key Biscayne, one of South Florida's most exclusive communities, offering a unique blend of luxury and tranquility. Situated on a barrier island just off the coast of Miami, it provides a peaceful retreat while still being a short drive from the city's vibrant business and entertainment districts.

The Visionaries:

Design:
AMBITO LLC

Landscape Architect:
AMLA Studio

Engineering Firm:
Solver Structural Partnership

Sometimes our clients think that an interior lot; meaning: a lot that is surrounded by other lots on its sides, is a bad thing. Everyone usually wants a corner lot. However, we changed that perception. This project is a great example of maximizing the area of an interior lot and still designing and building a house that can be a courtyard and/or a side yard, without looking at your neighbors.

The architectural project is a brilliant example of designing a house that prioritizes natural light, visual connections, and an integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The courtyard, bridge, L-shaped layout, and the connection to the exterior terrace and pool all contribute to a harmonious and enjoyable living experience for the inhabitants.

House Division by a Bridge on the Second Floor: The house is designed in such a way that it is divided into two parts on the second floor, and these parts are connected by a bridge. This bridge acts as a central feature of the house, serving both as a physical connection between the two wings and as a visual element that adds interest and uniqueness to the design.
Courtyard with Natural Light: The courtyard is located at the center of the house, beneath the bridge. This open space allows natural light to permeate into the interior of the house, brightening up the areas adjacent to it. The courtyard could be landscaped with plants, water features, and perhaps even a small seating area to create a tranquil and visually appealing environment.
L-shaped Layout: The overall layout of the house forms an L-shape, with one wing of the house on the second floor and another wing extending on the ground floor. This L-shape configuration offers several advantages, such as privacy for the master bedroom and a logical separation of different functional areas within the house.
Views into a Secondary Public Space: The L-shape design also allows for views into a secondary public space, which is the exterior terrace and pool. This provides a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces, creating a harmonious flow between the two. The occupants can enjoy the views of the pool and terrace from various vantage points within the house, enhancing the sense of openness and integration with nature.