Brillhart House
Regional variations on International Style architecture helped evolve a subtly rich Midcentury Modernism in the United States.
Architects & Firms
Miami
Regional variations on International Style architecture helped evolve a subtly rich Midcentury Modernism in the United States. From William Wurster in San Francisco to Paul Rudolph in Sarasota, Florida, young postwar architects inventively adapted residential designs to particular climates and materials.
The most distinctive feature of the simple, pristine house is the front porch, where folding louvered shutters screen a 50-foot-long glass wall (repeated on the back, but without the shutters). The steel and glass structure incorporates a robust variety of woods: ipé for the exterior siding, fascia, and columns; red cedar for the shutters; and white oak and cypress for floors and decking—plus dimensional lumber for short structural spans.
Instead of resorting to reinforced concrete, as is popular in hurricane-prone South Florida, the couple decided to address building-code requirements and climate concerns in other ways. For example, they specified 9⁄16-inch thermal glass, much safer in high winds than the typical 1⁄16-inch glass used back in the heyday of Miesian pavilions. Icynene spray foam and rigid insulation prevent moisture buildup in the walls and the roof: even the elevated floor is formed of plywood, insulation, and plywood deck on top of 2-by-8-inch wood joists and steel beams.
Working with the technically improved materials for the one-story cottage, the couple not only stayed true to the nature of materials and vernacular architecture but also advanced the cause of Regional Modernism. And living in the jungle-like growth appeals to the couple. “ It just gets better and better,” says Melissa.
PeopleOwner: Jacob and Melissa Brillhart
Architect:
Personnel in architect's firm who should receive special credit: Architect of record: Jacob Brillhart (Architect of Record) Interior designer: Melissa Brillhart Engineer(s): Zvonimir T. Belfranin (structural); Energy Sciences Inc. – Esber Andiroglu (MEP)
Consultant(s): Lighting: Brillhart Architecture General contractor: Jacob and Melissa Brillhart
Photographer(s):
Renderer(s):
CAD system, project management, or other software used: Gross square footage: 1,500 Sq.ft. (under AC); 2300 Sq.ft. with front and back porches Total construction cost: $300,000 Completion date: November 2014 |
Products
Structural system
Exterior cladding Wood: Ipe (Shiplapped) for all siding, fascia, columns Moisture barrier: Peel and stick roofing paper
Roofing
Glazing
Doors Sliding doors: 9/16” Insulated Glass – Storefront Sliding Doors, ES Windows (manufacturer)
Hardware Other special hardware:custom fabricated louvered door hinges
Interior finishes American Cherry was used for all interior millwork - including door frames, interior louvered doors (designed to be the vented AC door and vented pantry door); bathroom and kitchen cabinets. The American cherry had been provided by Jake’s father and uncle, who had amassed an incredible stock of cherry boards over the years, which they bought at auctions and stored in their barn in New Hampshire. Jake and his father loaded up the wood and drove it down to Miami at the onset of the project, and we milled each piece of wood as was needed. Jake and Melissa designed, built and installed all millwork.
Paints and stains: Special surfacing: White Himalaya Marble – for kitchen countertops; fireplace surround- purchased from Marmol, Inc. Cypress (select grade) decking for porches – purchased from Howell Logging 6" White Oak Floors - throughout interior of house, except bathrooms – purchased from Tidewater Lumber Grey/White Encaustic Cement floor tiles – Guest bathroom 24x24 Porcelain floor tile (Color Lavagna) – master bathroom 3x6 White Subway wall tile – guest and master bathroom
Lighting Dimming System or other lighting controls: dimmers throughout |
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