This LEED for Homes registered project is a milestone for residential performance green building in Florida. Completed September 2009, the project has achieved:

- LEED for Homes v2 - Silver Certification ( 78 Points )

- Florida Green Building Coalition v6 - Gold Certification ( 180 Points )

- Energy Star for Homes - HERS 72

- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Certification

The program called for a single family home for a family of five on waterfront property. The first architectural goal was to integrate the living structure with the striking beauty of the surrounding landscape. In response to the client’s wishes and to a contextual philosophy of design, a Miami Modernist language defines the aesthetics of the structure. The geometry of the house is composed of two orthogonal volumes which are in dialogue with each other and the surrounding landscape.

A large courtyard greets the beholder as he walks along a covered axis toward the home’s entry. This axis serves as the element which connects the two main volumes, the larger one containing most of the house program, and the smaller one providing a ceremonial envelope for the great room, the sculptural stair and the master bedroom above.

Where the larger volume emphasizes its connection to the ground by means of a stone wall, the smaller volume appears to be suspended as it is lifted from the ground with round columns, and its image is reflected on the lili pond in the front courtyard.
There is an effort to maximize views from all the main spaces of the house, including the living, dining, family room, kitchen, study and master bedroom. In addition, the childrens’ bedrooms overlook the front courtyard.

The team intends to build a LEED certified home according to USGBC and FGBC standards. In addition to all the criteria for energy efficiency and sensibility to our environment that this goal entails, the architecture of the house is responsive to its context. Elements such as large overhangs, generous porches and balconies provide environmentally sensitive solutions for a home in a tropical climate. - Jaya Kader Zebede, AIA - Architect of Record

Bay Harbor Islands Residence: Architect, Jaya Zebede AIA
Pursuing LEED for Homes Silver Certification, Florida Green Building Coalition Certification
- Completed August 2009 -

Driveway

The entranceway exemplifies the owner’s intent for the entire residence. The balance of beauty, purpose, performance and sustainability.

This exquisitely designed driveway is comprised of a set of non-aligning, 34’ x 4’ sandstone slabs separated with a 4” joint, with a 1º slope, atop a coarse aggregate. The elegant yet simple design addresses storm water management, heat island, durability and aesthetic. addresses storm water management, heat island, durability and aesthetic.