Program:
The principal scheme of the Milam Residence is the idea of spatial organization between the interior and exterior forms. The facade is formed by large rectilinear sculptural forms that are completely unrelated to the spaces located behind it. The exterior rectangular concrete brises-soleil serve as a sunscreen for the glazed windows that cover the west face of the building. On the interior however, a multi platformed flooring system, coupled with a continuously flowing room space create a completely contrasting feeling. The Milam Residence has heavy spatial and three dimensional sculptural influences that shape the overall design from inside to outside. Built almost entirely from 8 x 8 x 16 concrete blocks the Milam Residence creates a composition of considerable spatial variety with vertical and horizontal interpenetration of spaces clearly defined inside and out. Gone are the earlier notions of organization through regular structure with subdivisions of space freely placed. Spatial organization has taken the place of purely structural organization. Floors and walls are extended in elaborated forms toward the view, thereby making of the facade a reflection of the interior space. The brises-soleil also serve as mullions for the glass, turning the exterior wall into a series of deep openings filled only with glass. The exceptional wild Florida site 60 ft above the Atlantic Ocean is a counterfoil to the geometry of the structure.