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Canvas of PLANS & DRAWINGS

Obras Studio reimagines Coral Gables: Mediterranean Dreams, Modern Realities

Stella Manferdini

Canvas of PLANS & DRAWINGS

30.01.25

Keywords:

Creations , Residential , Miami , Modernism

We find ourselves in the mid-1920s when visionary developer George Merrick conceived the utopian neighbourhood of Coral Gables in Miami. At that time, the Mediterranean style was an invented aesthetic, a pastiche drawing from Italian, French, Spanish, and Arabic design elements. The idea was to evoke the Old Continent in a ‘tropical’ New World. Thus, within Coral Gables, the Mediterranean style flourished, giving rise to homes, fountains, and buildings that remain emblematic of a specific architectural approach and a defining era in Miami’s history. However, within this deeply rooted architectural tradition, Obras Studio has managed to make a difference. Coral Gables remains the “fantastic city” envisioned by Merrick – immaculately preserved, yet now more attuned to contemporary sensibilities.

Casa Marmore, Coral Gables, Miami, USA <br />Image copyright: @Obras Studio

Casa Marmore, Coral Gables, Miami, USA
Image copyright: @Obras Studio

Developed as part of the City Beautiful Movement for Architecture and Urban Planning, Coral Gables has long been synonymous with Mediterranean Revival elegance. Yet, from the outset, the Riviera section was imagined as a stage for architectural diversity. As highlighted in the May 2023 issue of Coral Gables Magazine, this neighbourhood was designed to feature a thousand homes inspired by styles from tropical regions around the world.

Today, the design firm Obras Studio is challenging the notion that the Riviera district should remain a relic of the past. Many of its homes, built in the postwar era, are unremarkable ranch-style structures – lacking architectural character or historical significance.

When two clients approached Obras Studio seeking sleek, modern residences in this storied neighbourhood, the firm seized the opportunity to redefine what contemporary living could mean in Coral Gables. Navigating bureaucratic red tape, they set out to craft a vision for the district’s future – one that respects its legacy while embracing bold, forward-thinking design. Their philosophy? While the ubiquitous “white box” homes popping up across Miami feel out of place in Coral Gables, modernist designs that are rich in texture and proportion can seamlessly complement the city’s timeless charm.

Casa Marmore and Casa Luenga are the embodiment of this philosophy. Though rooted in modernism, both homes draw inspiration from their surroundings, engaging in a dynamic conversation with the natural environment. Casa Marmore, for instance, features an intricate lattice of pergolas that filter light throughout the day, casting ever-changing shadows that echo the rhythm of the neighbourhood’s historic facades.

Casa Luenga, Coral Gables, Miami, USA <br />Image copyright: @Obras Studio

Casa Luenga, Coral Gables, Miami, USA
Image copyright: @Obras Studio

Behind Obras Studio are founders Giselle Coujil and Omar Moreno, whose partnership began at the University of Florida’s School of Architecture. Their work is a testament to tropical modernism – a refined balance of innovation and contextual sensitivity. They see Coral Gables not as a city frozen in time but as a living, breathing canvas where history and modernity can intertwine with effortless sophistication.

In a city renowned for its Mediterranean grandeur, Obras Studio is ushering in a new era – one where contemporary elegance and architectural heritage go hand in hand. Coral Gables remains a vision of curated beauty, but thanks to firms like Obras Studio, it is also a city that dares to evolve, proving that glamour is not just about preserving the past – it is about reimagining the future.