Sight Lines

Point of View

“The metal pattern work on Villa Allegra draws inspiration from the ornate lacework found in the historic architecture of Miami Beach.

In developing the villa’s intricate details, we approached the process much like sampling in hip hop—drawing from and remixing the materials and decorative elements of the storied homes that surround the islands. At the heart of the design is a filigree based on an ancient sacred geometry known as the Circle of Life—a symbol of creation, unity, and the profound interconnectedness of all living things. What captivated us about the pattern is its ability to be both figurative and abstract—offering multiple interpretations through the simple, poetic gesture of overlapping circles. Each screen was handmade, and the subtle imperfections that result from this artisanal process only deepen the character and soul of the architecture.”
—Chad Oppenheim, Founding Principal, Oppenheim Architecture

Oppenheim Architecture is a global design practice engaging with diverse clients, cultures, and environments across six continents. Established in 1999 by Chad Oppenheim, the practice has studios in Miami, Aspen, Basel, and Tirana with an inquisitive team of over seventy architects, interior designers, planners, dreamers, and technicians. The studios operate as one, guided by poetically contextual design, hyperfunctionality, and building craft. oppen.com

Photograph by Karen Fuchs