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Tropical Modern Architecture Catches on in Vero Beach

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Paul Fischman, one of the three partners at the Miami-based, award-winning firm of Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design, was commissioned by Peter Fine of To Better Days Development to design a custom spec home. Located in one of Miami Beach’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the tropical modern mansion was designed with warm, natural materials and an open layout for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Read more about the home featured in Vero Beach Magazine’s Winter 2018 Tropical Homes edition below.

When Peter Fine of To Better Days Development commissioned architect Paul Fischman to design a custom spec house, he had a particular vision in mind. In 2013, Fine had purchased a 28,000-square-foot lot on Biscayne Bay, located in one of Miami Beach’s most prestigious neighborhoods. “North Bay Road has always been one of the most sought-after addresses and was crowned ‘Millionaires Row’ for a reason,” says the company’s executive vice president and project manager, Joshua Young. “It is no coincidence that Miami Beach pioneer and developer Carl Fisher placed his estate on this street.”

The impressive mansions and elegant estates that grace this community routinely attract a who’s who of celebrities, athletes, musicians and industry moguls, all lured by the tropics and Miami’s international cachet. Mere blocks from the vibrant happenings of South Beach and the historical Art Deco district of Ocean Drive, the area’s attractions are many – boating, golfing, shopping and exquisite wining and dining are all just a stone’s throw away.

Architectural styles in this exclusive community run the gamut from Mediterranean revival to Italianate to mid-century modern, but Fine’s vision was clear: He wanted Fischman to design a luxurious, contemporary tropical home constructed of warm, natural materials with clean lines, a modern and open layout and spaces for indoor-outdoor entertaining. He wanted a home that exuded an experiential quality, built with materials and methods that echoed the environment and brought the outside in.

Fischman was up to the task. He is one of three partners in the Miami-based, award-winning from of Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture and Design. With a master’s degree in architecture from University of Miami and a bachelor’s in environmental design from the University of Colorado, he was a perfect fit for the project.

“Environmental design accounts for macro of microclimate, where you’re responding to the environmental features,” Fischman says. Fine’s directive informed his decision to focus on maximizing the natural light while creating a direct connectivity to the tropical environment.

Walking the lot, Fischman and partner Ralph Choeff studied the landscape, the angle and direction of light, and the architectural configuration needed to maximize the panoramic views of the bays and beyond. Fischman says that by extending a leg of the structure out proud of the main residence, they were able to create unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami from the family room and second-level master bedroom suites. And the utilization of the new technology for column-free spans of floor-to-ceiling glass allowed for a seamless, open-concept design that forged a direct connection to the tropical topography. “The way I designed this home is that there are pockets everywhere that can be opened up to the outside and nature,” he says. “The view literally drove every aspect of this home.”

Read the full story on Choeff Levy Fischman’s site.

Choeff Levy Fischman Makes a Splash in Luxury Pool Magazine

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Choeff Levy Fischman‘s unique approach to home and outdoor living designs made a splash in Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living Magazine’s 2017 Fall/Winter issue. The Choeff Levy Fischman team received recognition as a 2017 Pinnacle Awards winner recognizing some the year’s best in pool and outdoor living designs, principal Paul Fischman discusses designing outside the lines, and founding principal Ralph Choeff, explains how his expert architectural team combines modern architecture and tropical elements to create a shorefront splendor.

Overlooking Biscayne Bay, this residential property in Miami Beach, Florida, embodies mid-century modern architecture and tropical modernism, which is carried throughout the home and outdoor living areas. With a cohesive and masterful design, the expert architectural team at Choeff Levy Fischman, along with Christopher Cawley Landscape Architecture, brought this contemporary tropical oasis to life.

“Of the utmost importance was the concept of indoor-outdoor living,” says Ralph Choeff, founding principal at Choeff Levy Fischman. To accomplish this, the entire rear façade was designed with vast sliding glass doors, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors and maximizing the bay views from almost any room in the house.

“The pool and water features were strategically positioned to interact with the interior spaces,” adds Choeff. “The pool steps and integrated spa face downtown Miami and are positioned directly in front of the interior living room lounge. This setup allows the homeowner and guests to enjoying breathtaking views of the city while relaxing indoors or outside in the pool or spa.”

Incorporating natural waterscapes was a key element to the entire design. “We bring the water theme into play right from the beginning,” says Choeff. For the approach to the main entry, stone steps over reflecting ponds give the feeling of walking on water, he explains.

At night, the city and surrounding elements light up, creating a dramatic and enchanting effect as the lights in the reflecting ponds project upward and interact with the architecture of the home. In the evening, pool lighting enhances the blue tile, giving the pool an almost purplish hue.

The outdoor living spaces include multiple gathering areas around the pool, including a sunken outdoor living room with a mid-century style fire pit and a cabana containing a large outdoor kitchen and dining area. “The entire experience, combined with the indoor/outdoor layout of the residence, gives the outdoor entertaining spaces a resort-like feel,” comments Choeff.

Stained ipe wood establishes a warm yet somewhat monochromatic style while limestone decking contrasts with the iridescent blue tile used in the pool and spa. “This sets the pool apart,” says Choeff, “especially the aboveground areas that form the infinity edges.”

Choeff Levy Fischman Designs Luxury Waterfront Home Around Banyan Tree

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73-palm_rear-viewNestled on a gated private island, this Miami Beach waterfront mansion can be a modern tropical oasis for $29.5 million.

Located at 73 Palm Ave. in the Palm Island community, the estate provides unobstructed waterfront views and privacy.

The main entrance features a granite driveway and a carved limestone waterfall feature near the front door. A set of floor-to-ceiling glass windows allows guests a sneak peek inside the two-story home.

Inside, Portuguese limestone flooring is used throughout the home, as well as European smoked oakwood details.

The 13,676-square-foot home boasts nine bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a powder room and a two-story bronze fireplace. There is a 2,500-square-foot rooftop terrace.

Several reflecting ponds can be found throughout the home providing zen-like areas for lounging and entertaining.

The mansion also features a movie theater, elevator, wine storage, four-car garage and an oversized infinity pool.

There is a secluded hot tub off the master bedroom terrace.

Choeff Levy Fischman, a Miami-based architecture and design firm, are known for their expertise in indoor-outdoor living and prefer to use warm elements such as wood and stone to create a tropical atmosphere that works perfectly in South Florida.

Outside, the backyard showcases a large grass area, more than 100 feet of dock space, an outdoor kitchen and cabana with rooftop access and a large Banyan tree.

“The grounds included a timeless natural banyan tree that was a focal point of the outdoor environment,” said architect Ralph Choeff. “We decided to design around it so that it could enhance the overall experience, creating a sense of peace and tranquility, while also maximizing views.”

Mirce Curkoski, of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, holds the listing.

Palm Island is a man-made island just west of Star Island in Biscayne Bay. It’s accessible via the MacArthur Causeway, which connects Miami and Miami Beach.

To view a video tour of the residence, visit The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Choeff Levy Fischman Named Top Coastal Architects

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ohtopOcean Home Magazine’s annual collection of Top 50 Coastal Architects includes some of the most innovative, influential, and prolific architects in the world like Richard Landry, Deborah Berke, and others profiled in the most recent issue.

So, it’s no surprise that Miami-based Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design was selected as one of the greatest for the second year in a row.

Choeff Levy Fischman is a known leader throughout South Florida in the style of Tropical Modern architecture, changing the appearance of Miami’s most prominent residential neighborhoods, such as North Bay Road and the Venetian Islands.

The Miami-based firm has vast experience in designing single-family residences, commercial and residential high-rise buildings, hotels, multi-family developments and shopping plazas. Its clientele consists of executives, athletes and celebrities that wish to accentuate indoor-outdoor living, including Alex Rodriguez, Cher, Edward James Olmos, Matt Damon, Rony Seikaly and Barry Gibb.

Experts in their field, Choeff Levy Fischman emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, using warm elements such as ipe wood, natural stone, concrete, and water features to create high-end tropical environments. The firm has won several design awards, and architecture critics and major publications like Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, and Ocean Home Magazine have recognized its work. The firm takes great pride in the high level of design and technical documentation that is maintained throughout every project, and its ability to properly oversee complex projects through construction.

While the its focus has recently been on high-end custom residences, mostly in the Tropical Modern style of architecture, each principal has a varied background with other specialties as well. Ralph Choeff has designed several hotels, which include the Mondrian South Beach and Kimpton Anglers Hotel, as well as housing developments, shopping centers and commercial establishments. Raphael Levy has diverse experience, working on projects that include high-rise design, commercial property and single-family custom residences. Paul Fischman has a background in high-rise architecture, having worked for the prestigious architecture firm Arquitectonica. The firm’s office takes on a studio-like environment where ideas are shared and discussed to produce a final design reflecting the client’s desires.

Committed to continuing education and the licensure process, Choeff Levy Fischman employs university interns, frequently through the University of Cincinnati’s Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) program. Interns work in four-month intervals and learn everything from office practice to generating graphics. They work on real projects producing digital 3D models and participate in the design process, formulating conceptual ideas and schematic design models with the principals. Interns attend meetings with clients, engineers, contractors and city officials as well as make site visits during the construction phase of a project.

In 2016, Choeff Levy Fischman hosted the AIA Miami Young Architects’ Forum at its office. The firm has also lectured at the AIA on the subject of global warming and at Miami-Dade College on the industry in general. It has served on the Miami Beach Design Review Board to help raise the standard of design in the city.

If you’re dreaming to build a one-of-a kind home in an one-of-a kind coastal location, chances are any one of 2017’s Top 50 architects listed here can help turn your dreams into reality.

Ralph Choeff Sits Down with Indulge Miami

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Photo By: Nick Garcia Photography

Photo By: Nick Garcia Photography

The August/September issue of Indulge Miami is finally out and we’re thrilled to share the article featuring our client, Ralph Choeff of Choeff Levy Fischman. 

Ralph Choeff, Miami’s maven of tropical-modern architecture, is seated on a creamy, plush Minotti sofa inside a 10,500-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bath spec home, known as Casa Ischia, that he designed on Miami Beach’s Hibiscus Island. The architect wears a bespoke navy Tom James suit with an open white-collared dress shirt and speaks in that self-assured, clipped manner characteristic of a Brooklyn native.

“What I want to do is, I want to open all of this up for you because — I’ll blow your mind,” he said, springing to his feet. He darts toward a wall of pocketing sliding-glass doors that run along the home’s southern perimeter, revealing panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami’s skyline.

“You cannot imagine, sitting here, what this space transforms into,” he said, sliding each of the living room’s eight glass panels into one another, completely removing the barrier between outside and in. The home’s ipe wood floors give way to the limestone pool deck. The glittering blue mosaic, wet-edge infinity pool does just what its name suggests, flowing seamlessly into the bay.

It’s about an hour before sunset. Miami’s blue skies are stitched in a soft muslin of clouds casting a hazy, pre-twilight glow onto the bay. This view was mesmerizing before opening the doors. Now, there’s a palpable peaceful feeling of floating with the current and the bay breeze. “You become part of the architecture of Miami,” Choeff said. “You really have to experience it to understand it.”

This is what Miami’s tropical modern architecture is all about. Choeff, 61, principal at Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design, has spent the past three decades perfecting the style for discerning and high-profile clients, including Alex Rodriguez and his Coral Gables home. The style combines the clean lines and sharp angles of mid-century modern architecture with tropical wood, stone and stucco indigenous to Miami.

“It’s very conducive to South Florida living because of our surroundings,” Choeff said. “Our climate, our views — you can literally live like this all year.”

To read the full story, visit Indulge Miami.

Miami Beach Mansion Designed by Choeff Levy Fischman Gains National Attention

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7-17-17A spec home on Miami Beach’s North Bay Road, where many celebrities have owned homes, returned to the market this month for $26.95 million.

Designed by Choeff Levy Fischman, the two-story residence features an abundance of expansive glass windows to connect indoor living with the entertaining spaces edging the Biscayne Bay.

The 15,000-square-foot mansion has a 40-foot wide living room, seven bedrooms, as well as nine full bathrooms and two half bathrooms. There is also an indoor-outdoor gym, private yoga deck, an office, a home theater, dining and kitchen and a 600-bottle wine cellar. The exterior of the tropical modern residence features Ipe wood and white stucco finishes, warm limestone cladding and custom Italian doors.

Outdoor amenities include an infinity pool, full-kitchen and cabana, three-car garage, lush landscaping, and a dock with 100 feet of water frontage.

One of the home’s most unique features is a 2,500-square-foot rooftop deck designed for entertaining with views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east—a rarity in Miami real estate.

The developer bought the site in 2013 for $6.6 million, according to property records.

North Bay Road is filled with celebrity residents, including NBA player Dwyane Wade, fashion moguls Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein and former baseball star Alex Rodriguez.

To read the full article, visit Mansion Global.