Project Essentials
Firm Name: Brillhart Architecture
Principals: Jacob Brillhart, Melissa Brillhart
Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Accolades: Forbes Architecture’s “America’s Top 200 Residential Architects,” 2025; Forbes Architecture’s “America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects,” 2025
House Name: Elevated Tropical Home
Location: Miami, Florida
Area & Layout: 4,500 square feet; 4 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms
Architectural Photographers: Michael Stavaridis (michaelstavaridis.com), Stephan Goettlicher (stephangoettlicher.com)
Architectural Vision and Resilience
After enduring years of storm damage to a historic 1920s residence, a Miami homeowner sought a resilient design solution. Brillhart Architecture responded with a striking replacement: two intersecting volumes elevated above the ground on a substantial triangular deck, supported by a distinctive concrete base. This strategic elevation allows floodwaters to flow unimpeded beneath the structure, while simultaneously facilitating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, a signature element of the firm’s site-specific tropical modernism.
Design Philosophy and Innovation
FRED ALBERT, Forbes Deputy Editor, Architecture: Regarding scale, scope, and identity, how does this particular project align with your broader portfolio of residential designs?
MELISSA BRILLHART: In terms of scale, this project is quite representative of our work. It consistently reflects our commitment to emphasizing structure as a core architectural component, utilizing a diverse array of materials and construction methods. Much like our other projects, it embodies a contemporary aesthetic while remaining deeply connected to the traditions of tropical vernacular architecture, characterized by narrow building footprints, generous roof overhangs, and the use of natural, weather-resistant materials.
Problem-Solving in Design
ALBERT: From a creative and problem-solving perspective, what are some of the most rewarding design solutions achieved in this project?
BRILLHART: We continuously strive to move beyond standard industry practices to discover more inventive solutions, and this project is a testament to that drive. The primary challenge here was to design an elevated residential structure that possessed significant aesthetic appeal—an aspect the construction industry has historically struggled to master. Our approach involved three key strategies: first, treating the understory not as neglected space, but as an integral and celebrated part of the architecture; second, establishing a new “ground plane” at an elevated level; and third, breaking down the building’s massing to reduce its perceived bulk and enhance its tropical character.
Future Directions for the Studio
ALBERT: What lies ahead for Brillhart Architecture?
BRILLHART: Our primary focus remains on tropical environments, though we are equally drawn to any site where the surrounding natural landscape plays a dominant role. This passion has led us to diverse locations, including Belgium, Santa Fe, and California, in regions where topography, climate, or unique natural features necessitate a nuanced interplay between the built environment and its setting. We are always eager to explore new territories; the more compelling the site, the more inspired our work becomes.
More from America’s Top Architects
Business Style Takeaway: This project by Brillhart Architecture exemplifies a strategic approach to resilient design in vulnerable coastal areas, integrating robust engineering with sophisticated tropical modernism. It underscores the value of innovative, site-specific solutions that not only protect property but also enhance living experiences and architectural integrity.
Original article : www.forbes.com