- Project: KIAORA
- Architect: STRANG
- Location: United States, Miami, Florida
- Year: 2025
- Area: 855 m2
- Photography: Kristam Burello, Jeanne Cantro
An Elegant Response to Subtropical Living
KIAORA by STRANG is a contemporary private residence that responds with clarity and restraint to the subtropical climate of Miami, Florida. Situated in a leafy residential setting, the house is defined by two interlocking rectangular volumes that establish a strong architectural identity while carefully addressing privacy, openness, and environmental performance. The project reflects STRANG’s ongoing commitment to climate-responsive architecture rooted in modernist principles.
The upper volume, finished in warm wood panels and articulated with horizontal louvers, appears to float above the lower level. This elevated form accommodates the main communal spaces, including the living room, kitchen, and dining area, conceived as flexible environments for daily life and social gathering. Positioned above an outdoor living zone, the upper level enhances indoor-outdoor continuity and embraces Miami’s subtropical lifestyle.
Beyond its visual impact, the elevated volume plays a critical environmental role. By creating shaded areas beneath, it improves thermal comfort, encourages natural ventilation, and reinforces passive design strategies that are essential in South Florida’s climate.
Form, Function and Climate Adaptation
The ground floor is dedicated to private functions, including bedrooms, a study, and supporting spaces, all organized to ensure comfort and discretion. Deep overhangs, integrated louvers, and carefully calibrated openings reduce solar gain while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding landscape.
The relationship between the two volumes is more than formal. Their interlocking configuration orchestrates a precise balance between space, light, and climate. By elevating the primary living areas and orienting glazed façades toward protected views and greenery, the design preserves privacy while strengthening connections to outdoor courtyards, gardens, and the pool.
A restrained palette of natural materials—wood, glass, and exposed concrete—establishes continuity between interior and exterior spaces. Warm timber surfaces are contrasted with crisp white walls and expansive glazing, creating a tactile yet composed architectural expression grounded in its natural context.
Spatial Experience and Subtropical Lifestyle
Inside the residence, generous circulation paths and carefully framed sightlines connect the living, dining, and kitchen areas with shaded terraces, outdoor lounges, and landscaped gardens. Sliding glass doors and open-plan arrangements dissolve traditional boundaries, allowing everyday life to extend seamlessly outdoors.
The spatial organization reflects a family-centred philosophy. Private areas remain distinct yet visually connected, while shared spaces promote openness and interaction. More intimate zones are discreetly embedded within the lower volume, creating a layered transition between public and private life.
Environmental Modernism and Design Legacy
KIAORA forms part of STRANG’s broader body of work focused on environmental modernism and climate-responsive residential architecture. Led by Max Strang, FAIA, the Miami-based practice has established itself as a leading voice in contemporary architecture that responds thoughtfully to regional conditions, material authenticity, and environmental performance. In 2025, STRANG was recognized as AIA Florida’s Firm of the Year, underscoring its influence within the architectural discourse.
Through the integration of passive design strategies, refined material choices, and a strong indoor-outdoor relationship, KIAORA delivers a residence that is holistically designed. More than a home, it stands as an architectural interpretation of climate, context, and modern living in South Florida.
