Rubinstein Residence

West Elevation.

Project details

• Project Name: The Rubinstein Residence
• Location of Site: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
• Design Team: Antonino Treu, Architect - Design/Architect of record; Agsten Engineering, Inc - Structural Engineer; Innovative Engineering Group, Inc. - Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineer
• Project Type: Single family dwelling
• Client: Gary Rubinstein
• Contractor/s: CDC Builders, Inc.
• Site Area: 12000 S.F.
• Built-up Area: 5654 S.F.
• Cost of Construction: $ 1825000
• Date of completion: 2007

Stone Corner.

Words from the designer

The Client, a furniture dealer, wanted a new home that reflected his taste in mid-century modern architecture. He wanted a "modern" house that incorporated the local architectural styles and responded to its waterfront location. We created generous public spaces (900 sq. ft. living room) for entertainment and to allow the client the "display" of prized furniture and collectibles as well as intimate spaces to read work and relax. A roof deck on the third level provide a private open-air refuge with spectacular views of the ocean and the city's skyline in the distance.

West Elevation.

Although technically a "renovation" this project in actuality creates a new home, which aside from keeping most of the original footprint, creates completely new spatial configurations. The design of this 5, 600 square foot waterfront residence blends local stylistic architectural elements with modernist icons such as an outdoor spiral staircase, horizontal railings as well as forms inspired by nautical architecture. As in other projects, the indoor spaces expand toward the outdoor with the aid of patios defined by open trellises including one on the roof deck.

East Elevation .

The main structure of the house is composed of reinforced masonry on the ground level and wood frame on the upper level. Major structural elements are steel. The use of steel supports in combination with wood framing allowed an open floor plan, and created a light structure which did not overload the unstable soil supporting the house.

East Elevation .

The house exterior is finished with stucco with stack stone (Tennessee rubble) accents.

The interior has travertine marble floors on the first level and carpet on the second master bedroom suite level. ATA designed all the built-in furniture pieces in the house.

Detail of exterior stair to roof deck.

The entrance sequence: First the guests enter from the driveway into a protected space, walking through stepping stones over a shallow pool. They are than led from the front door into a low vestibule space. This small space opens up to water views in the distance and a grand two story foyer where a custom build curved stair leads to the master suite on the second level.

Interior Stair.

Interior Stair.

Clerestory Windows.

Master Bathroom.

Credits

• Text: Antonino Treu
• Photographs: Antonino Treu