- Project: Dilido Residence
- Architect: SAOTA
- Location: United States, Miami, Florida
- Year: 2020
- Area: 1800 m2
- Photography: Adam Letch
Located on the southern tip of Miami’s exclusive Dilido Island, the Dilido Residence by SAOTA is a dazzling modern villa designed to blur the boundaries between land, sea, and sky. With its curving waterfront terrace, sculptural interiors, and dramatic material palette, the residence mirrors the elegance and freedom of life aboard a luxury superyacht.
This landmark project marks one of SAOTA’s most iconic homes in the United States, following their acclaimed Stradella Residence in Los Angeles and Beachyhead House in South Africa.
A Site Defined by Views and Flow
Set on a pie-shaped lot along Biscayne Bay, the home opens to sweeping views of the downtown skyline, South Beach, and surrounding islands. The architecture fully embraces this aspect, with the home spilling out toward the curved waterfront and embracing a continuous indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Approaching from the Venetian Causeway, the street-side entry is understated yet refined—a sequence of layered walls, lush tropical plantings, and a curved etched glass screen leading into a soaring double-volume atrium. Inside, the structure splits into two angled wings, creating a central canyon space that anchors the home and draws the eye directly to the bay.
A Canyon of Light, Water, and Art
The central core of the home is both a circulation spine and a dramatic spatial feature. It includes:
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A sculptural spiral staircase
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Hanging bronze screen panels
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An open double-height dining space
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Artworks and curated lighting by Lux Populi
This space separates the private kitchen, butler’s pantry, and den from the Great Room, formal lounge, and study on the opposite side—each flowing into a covered outdoor living area and extensive terrace.
Living on the Water’s Edge
Outside, the terrace unfolds like a private resort:
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Covered lounges and sun decks
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Shallow “martini” seating in the pool
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A pop-up dining table at the water’s edge
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A fully equipped outdoor bar
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Two private mooring docks ensuring seamless access to Biscayne Bay
Water features meander throughout the home, starting from a reflective pond at the entrance and looping around the study into the pool area—creating a series of floating “islands” that echo the home’s oceanic inspiration.
Vertical Elegance and Rooftop Views
The upper floor includes:
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A sea-facing master suite with private terrace, hot tub, and plunge pool
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Three water-facing suites, designed for the owner’s daughters
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An elevator-accessible rooftop terrace with firepit, bar, and unrivaled views of Downtown Miami
Above, a pre-oxidized copper roof introduces a bold sculptural silhouette, referencing Miami’s historic Italianate villa vernacular with a modern twist.
Sophisticated Material Palette
The home balances Miami’s strict hurricane codes with a luxurious material selection:
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Crisp white stucco walls
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Warm grey limestone
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Hand-cut granite countertops
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Copper and bronze detailing
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Sandstone, timber, and yacht-like precision finishes
Inside, the interiors—designed by Lynda Murray—blend textured surfaces with muted elegance. The use of electric blue accents draws from the bay’s colors, while OKHA furnishings enhance the relaxed yet sophisticated mood.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
The project was developed with a dream team of collaborators:
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Architecture & Interior Architecture: SAOTA
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Executive Architect: KKAID (Miami)
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Construction: Brodson Construction
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Interior Design: Lynda Murray
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Lighting Design: Lux Populi
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Landscaping: Raymond Jungles
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Client Representative: Rick Peña, Prime Group Management
With every detail considered, Dilido Residence by SAOTA stands as a true testament to coastal luxury living, where architecture, nature, and lifestyle converge in one of the most coveted locations in Biscayne Bay.
