Sexy. Sophisticated. Sellable. Tropical Modern Architecture in Miami, FL

Discover the luxurious appeal of tropical modern architecture. Whether you're looking to live better, add value to your home, or both, you'll find out how in this article.

The allure of something exotic fills us with notions of far-off beauty, raw power, pleasure, and unattainable riches.

It’s in our nature to play with fire and tame the elements. This innate tendency brings us an almost transcendent pleasure, a brighter daily existence, and, ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

a tropical modern house in miami florida

But you don’t have to go to the ends of the Earth to feel the thrill of discovery and conquest.

What if you could harness the elemental power of the tropics, refresh your well-being, and do that right here at home? 

Tropical modern architecture is one of the best architectural styles for your luxurious Miami lifestyle, but it’s also a way to add record-breaking sales value to your home (which we cover a little later). 

But what is this architectural style exactly? Where did it come from? What do you have to do to achieve it for yourself? 

This comprehensive article will answer all of the above and more.

So What is Tropical Modern Architecture, Anyway?

For those unfamiliar with the style, Tropical modern architecture is a design language that draws inspiration from the modernist movement of the last 125 years while incorporating distinctive features and characteristics that connect any structure to its exotic surroundings (and vice versa).

In Miami, FL, tropical modern architecture is the perfect style because it immerses you in Mother Nature's beauty while shielding you, when necessary, from Mother Nature's fury.

From clever elevations and breezeways to impressive overhangs and open-concept entertaining, tropical modern architecture can be a statement about your level of achievement and a way to enjoy the good life when your life, for the moment, keeps you at home.

The Ultimate History of Tropical Modern Architecture

Discovering the origins of tropical modern architecture will allow you to appreciate the style when you see it or when you collaborate with a tropical modern architect on your next residential development project.  

When you think of “the tropics,” what comes to mind?

this is a picture of a sunset in the tropics with a palm stree extending over the beach to the sea

Probably someplace like that, right?

Somewhere far away that most can't get to. Adding even more to the appeal. 

It takes effort, insight, daring, and a large amount of disposable income to experience something so rare in today’s hectic world. Not everyone can do it. But you can.

That said, our obsession with the wealth and well-being found in the tropics goes back a little further in time.

The Tropics: Where The Old World Met The New World

It is the opinion of this humble tropical modern architect that the allure of the tropics was born during the Age of Exploration. The Old World (Europe through about 1450 A.D.) became enchanted by treasures and luxuries from Asia in the form of silks and spices. 

Early Europeans not only cherished these goods, but the imagery and tales that went along with sourcing them. 

Such demand for all of the above drove the Monarchs to race for the shortest sea route to Asia. 

And we all know what happened next. 

this is an ancient map showing sea routes from europe to the tropics

Instead of Asia, the Spanish explorers landed in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and what would eventually become Florida. Gold, jewels, and other riches were found in the tropics and brought home in abundance. 

Thus, the tropics became a place where there seemed to be a never-ending supply of wealth, possibility, and beauty. In fact, the fountain of youth was rumored to be in the tropics somewhere. Something, metaphorically, we’re still looking for!

At MIK Architecture, we want you to experience the elegance, romance, and vitality of the tropics. Our work embraces all of this as we strive to create contemporary spaces that enhance desirability, functionality, beauty, and, ultimately, value.

The New World. New Manufacturing Practices. New Architecture

Modern architecture was an Industrial Age response to the previous centuries of heavy-handed ornamentation found throughout Europe.

At the end of the 19th century, human beings harnessed radically new technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods. We marked this moment in time as a transition away from maximalism to minimalism

“Less is more” became the battle cry during the modernist movement.

Enormous pieces of steel, glass, and reinforced concrete were the sign of the times as we mastered their production. 

Bold structures were created to showcase these new material capabilities. Larger pieces of steel, glass, and concrete allowed human beings to boldly go where they hadn’t been able to before: up. 

this is a picture of modern architecture seen in three iconic buildings like the chrysler building, the flat iron, and the eiffel tower

Skyscrapers and other soaring structures of modern life were now possible, and the Eiffel Tower, the Flatiron Building, and the Chrysler Building stand as iconic monuments of modern architecture.

a sketch of corbusier's dom-ino house which is arguably the birth of modern residential architecture design

Closer to the ground where residential life takes place, open angular spaces gave architects and occupants more freedom, something we love here in America from sea to shining sea. We see the birth of these design values in architecture from Le Corbusier’s Dom-Ino House (above), FLW’s Fallingwater House, and many more prolific structures.

But Where Did Tropical Modern Architecture Come From?

a breakfast table at the kandalama hotel with espresso, finger foods, and flowers

The first official tropical modern architect was Geoffrey Bawa, a British/Sri Lankan architect. He is credited with tropical modern architecture because he sought to bring the outside inside while creating a sense of comfort and natural immersion without any of the trappings associated with the dogmatic maximalist style. 

Open-concept floor plans, massive pieces of functional glass, exposed steel, and concrete were all used to tame the raw elemental power of the tropics while creating a luxurious experience. 

an image of a royal accommodation suite at geoffrey bawa's tropical modern hotel

Bawa’s most notable example of this style is the luxurious Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Sri Lanka, which still exists today and offers travelers many levels of comfort, including Royal Suite Accommodations.

Check out these amazing images from Bawa's hotel (above and to the left).

Tropical Modern Architecture and Florida Modernism

Yup. It’s a thing. 

If you haven’t heard the term before, Florida Modernism is closely tied to other design trends like Miami Modern (MiMo), which also embraces Tropical Modernism, Art Deco, and elements of Mediterranean Revival. In fact, Al Capone famously said that Miami was “the Italy of the New World, where life is good and abundant.”

a tropical modern house featuring a backyard with pergola and lush vegitation

At the turn of the century, the Magic City’s mystique was growing. With newly laid railroad routes from the Midwest and Northeast, it was quickly becoming the destination escape for wealthy tourists—or, in Capone’s case, pure escape!

Soon, railroad baron Henry Flagler saw who was headed to Miami, and he decided to help them make the most of their stay by commissioning a tropical modern hotel that still exists today. 

You know this place as the Royal Palm Hotel (built in the 1920s) in South Beach. It’s home to the city’s first swimming pool and other upscale amenities that connect sun-seekers with the tropics—even if they never leave the hotel grounds.  

Thanks to the appeal of the tropics and the luxurious architectural style that embraced it, tourism boomed over the next several decades, especially in post-war America, when people decided to plant roots and live here, turning their dreams of a relaxed vacation into a daily lifestyle.

Pulling It Together: The Core Characteristics of A Modern Tropical House

this is an image showing a render of a tropical modern house surrounded by lush vegitation with an exotic car in the driveway

By now, you should definitely have a sense of what should be included in the design of a modern tropical house. But how to plan and build one? When considering what characteristic features make for the best type of modern tropical house, the first step is observing the location and surrounding nature of your site, something we help you do with our feasibility study. The best way to determine what features will be best is to approach your site with a sense of curiosity and ask:

  • Is there an opportunity for a water view? 
  • Is there access to the beach? 
  • Is it possible to have an entertaining space with a view of the cityscape at night? 
  • What natural elements can I enhance in my property? 
  • Is privacy a consideration?
  • Am I in a flood zone?
  • How does the sun move across my property and affect light?

Answering these questions (and many more) is essential when planning your modern tropical house. Doing so opens the door to determining definitive styles that blend the sleek lines and minimalist aesthetic of modern design with the natural elements and warmth of tropical environments, which results in key characteristics such as:

  • Open floor plans: Large windows and sliding glass doors create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light and ventilation to flow through.
  • Natural materials: Use of wood, bamboo, stone, and other natural materials to bring warmth and texture to the space, as well as to connect the indoors with the surrounding environment.
  • Neutral color palettes: A base of white, beige, and gray is often complemented by pops of vibrant colors inspired by tropical flora and fauna.
  • Clean lines and minimalist furniture: Simple, uncluttered spaces with furniture that emphasizes functionality and form.
  • Lush greenery: Plants, both indoors and outdoors, are incorporated to create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

Structural Examples:

  • Homes: Tropical modern homes often feature high ceilings, exposed beams, and large overhangs to provide shade and protection from the elements. They may also have swimming pools, outdoor showers, and other amenities that encourage outdoor living.
  • Resorts: Tropical modern resorts typically offer luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. They may also have spas, restaurants, and other facilities that cater to the needs of discerning travelers.

Show and tell time. Let’s take a look at key tropical modern architecture features that developers and discerning homeowners love from MIK Architecture:

1. Open Concept Living/Entertaining Space

a modern tropical house with open concept entertaining spaces inside and out

The Sunstone House is an impressive 8500-square-foot luxury home flanked by towering palms, lush vegetation, and a heritage tree that’s always in view. This particular tropical modern home is all about seamless connection to amenities. 

Thanks to the open-concept living space, occupants can quickly find their way to the centralized pool, outdoor entertaining space, guest and staff accommodations, and a master suite with a private studio, security room, and so much more. 

15-foot ceilings allow for eyelines to move up and out, making every day an exploration or practical adventure.

2. Exposure To Light

Light, ventilation, and the integration of natural materials are among the core principles of tropical modern architecture. Our single-family luxury home at 8000 S. Miami embraces all of these and more. 

A soaring central breezeway not only allows for light and ventilation but also demonstrates respect for that dance between modern and natural materials. We were thrilled to keep a massive natural oak tree on the property, which inspired a theme of warm wood-like accents that runs throughout this impressive home. 

Generously sized louvered overhangs invite everyone in the home to explore the outdoor living and entertaining space, which is accompanied by a delightful pool and emerald grounds.

3. Elevation. Entertainment. And, Well, Everything

We wouldn’t fault you if thoughts of tropical living brought up imagery of Robinson Crusoe’s island castaway home. Designed to protect him from wild animals and floods, his innovative designs were informed by his surroundings. 

Similarly, 3551 Crystal needed to reconcile its surroundings, a tight lot, and flood zone designation with the owner’s desire to entertain on every level with rich features and amenities. 

This luxurious tropical modern house achieves a floating effect where owners can show off their exotic cars with unimpeded access to the outdoor summer kitchen, pool, and entertaining space. 

As you climb higher through this home, you’re greeted by indulgent living and entertaining spaces that always keep you connected to (and protected from) the surrounding tropical elements.

Lastly, the sophisticated castaway in all of us will appreciate the lavish roof-top entertaining space with unrestricted views of the tree-tops and Biscayne Bay. What better way to enjoy a million-dollar sunset while keeping safe from the occasional Yellow Panther?

Would you ever want to be rescued from a place like this? Probably not.

4. An Award-Winning Life

It’s one thing to live by the water and another thing entirely to walk on it. The owners of this neighborhood diamond are greeted each time by a floating walkway over an aqua pool that mirrors the bay they’re situated on.

an ultra luxurious waterfront tropical modern house in miami that broke sales records in its neighborhood

Additionally, the rare, second-story Beton Brut rotated section is a formidable architectural achievement giving this home peerless individuality, power, and unique perspectives on the bay reserved exclusively for the master suite.

Surprises and delights are plentiful at Solano Prado, including fore and aft decks, covered exterior spaces, pocket doors that open the home to the world outside, expansive closets, utilities, and more. 

Clean marble, glass, stone, and tile elements run throughout this tropical modern house, but warm wood features are introduced at key areas to enhance warmth, joy, and a deeper connection to everything it takes to achieve life at that level. 

This home broke all previous retail amounts for this neighborhood and underscores the investment caliber of tropical modern, ultra-luxurious, single-family waterfront homes.

How to Design A New Custom Tropical Modern House Your Way

Matias Daroch the tropical modern architect in Miami holding blueprints for a new tropical modern house

Love affairs are pretty common in the Miami area - so why not have one that will actually last, make everyone happy, inspire passion, attract envious stares, fill your soul, and inspire spontaneity at every turn (all while keeping you out of trouble)? 

Having a tropical modern house you’re crazy about is something you won’t ever want to hide! 

Other benefits you can expect from your tropical modern house include:

  • Endless Comfort: Tropical modern design prioritizes comfort and functionality, creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable.
  • Connection to nature: Tropical modern design promotes a sense of well-being and connection to the environment by incorporating natural elements and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Versatility: Tropical modern design can be adapted to a variety of climates and settings, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects

With the perfect tropical modern house, you can have it all; especially when you work with the best tropical modern architect in Miami, FL!

The next question is the most important one: What does Tropical Modern Architecture mean to you

Every well-lived life has its story to tell, and it’s from your telling of it to us that we can express it in a design language that speaks about who you truly are. 

Aren’t you and all you’ve done worth it? 

We certainly think so. 

To see what’s possible, we invite you to get in touch so that we can share some ideas about how to bring the best of the tropics home to you.

Did you like this info? Go ahead and share!

Matias Daroch

I came to the US as a Chilean Architect and developer wanting to invest in residential projects. Soon, I found myself learning zoning and building codes in-depth, and understanding them better to maximize my return on investment. Not very long after, I began working and studying until I got my architectural license to practice in the US, and founded MIK Architecture to help other developers get more value for their projects.