The Pink House - Miami Shores

 

The Pink House is one of the best known and most photographed residences in Miami. It is a symbol of modern design. It is located in Miami Shores, on Biscayne Bay and occupies a double lot with over 100' of open bay water frontage.

Many factors make this house interesting, but its controversy has always intrigued me.  Designed by Laurinda Spear and Bernardo Fort-Bescia of Arquitectonica for Spear's parents in 1976, it's a series of planes and framed views together with clever climate-minded design which maximizes East/West breezes.

Its color statement received plenty of attention in the late 1970's when it was built.  Neighbors were disturbed by the 5 hues of pink (which were picked not only to reflect the tropical climate, but because those colors were rarely used at the time).  The house had to undergo scrutiny from The Village of Miami Shores' zoning review board to get colors approved. (how does that NOT surprise me!)  The board finally demanded that a grove of trees be planted to shield the house from the street.

Its obvious horizontal lines and planes are broken up by Royal Palms mathematically aligned along the front facade.  There's a pool porthole visible also from the front facade.  It was designed to be an urban home with a suburban context - conceived as an object in the landscape.  The approach is calculated and you follow a sequence from the facade, to a courtyard to the rooms - each room frames the view beyond in a different way.

The Pink House - front facade

Follow these links for some interesting articles about The Pink House and Arquitectonica:

                  The Pink House - Miami

photos courtesy of:  http://www.arquitectonica.com• Copyright ©1997-2007 Arquitectonica International Corporation • All Rights Reserved

For another architecturally relevant house in Miami Shores, please read:  Famous Architect, Wahl Snyder's home in Miami Shores -SOLD

RICK AND INES specialize in Miami Shores Real Estate - please visit our website for more information about the area http://www.yourpropertypros.com/ www.miamism.com

contact rick and ines     search for properties

 
This post has been included in Florida Information Miami-Dade County, FL Information Miami Shores, FL Information
Post is included in group: Buildings Architecture and Dings
Post is included in group: Miami Shores, Florida - Real Estate
Post is included in group: Miami, Florida - Listings
Post is included in group: Miami's Upper East Side - Real Estate
Post is included in group: Miami Beach, Florida - Real Estate

37 Comments on The Pink House - Miami Shores, Florida

MAR
20
2007
51 Featured Posts
Wow Ines, this is great.  I love reading about local flavor this way!
3:15pm • #1
126,567 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ines... I can see the architect in you...

you should do a piece on Addison Mizner... I love the story of his 2 story buildings w/out stairwells

3:46pm • #2
388,867 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Funny how when things are new they are outrageous, then they not only become part of the landscape they become The Landscape.  Someone was very bold back then.  Leaders are like that!

Nice post you little architect you!

kk

4:05pm • #3
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Caleb - not only did I enjoy doing this post, but I'm enjoying reading others' spin on it as well - it was a great idea for you guys to encourage this.

David - Mizner is definitely an interesting architect....maybe I'll take that one on too - thanks for the idea.

Kristal - Arquitectonica has been on the forefront of original and controversial architecture here in Miami.  I have to tell you that a lot of their building's function is not too great, another negative is the materials and how difficult the maintenance is.   But they do have really great stuff all over town and makes us proud to live in Miami.  These buildings have certainly become part of the landscape, as you say.

4:18pm • #4
317,722 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ines - I love this post!  The way you've written about the 'pink house' makes me want to go see it.  Very nice job laying out this post - love the pictures and links, too!

Ann

4:39pm • #5
258,595 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I agree with Ann, when I get to Miami I've got to see this place. But Ines, I want you standing next to me pointing out what I'm missing. To me this looks like an unusual house. You see this very differently than I do.

Its obvious horizontal lines and planes are broken up by Royal Palms mathematically aligned along the front facade. 

I didn't see the obvious horizontal lines or the vertical ones until you pointed them out to me. It's sort of like a puzzle - what do you see here?

6:10pm • #6
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ann - thanks so much, you know how I value your opinion - The current owners don't open it to the public, but they do commercials and find "film crews" there often.

Dena - Every year in Miami Shores there's a Home for the Holidays Walking Tour which features 5 or 6 local homes and there's a couple of friends of ours that HAVE to go with me because of my descriptions.  They say they enjoy my enthusiasm so much more than the actual tour and would miss half the features of the homes if I were not there pointing them out.  You just made me smile.

8:18pm • #7
509,211 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Ines, definatly different.  I don't know how I would feel about living in a pink house, but 100' of water frontage would not be hard to put up with.
10:00pm • #8
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
George...it's 100' of open bay water frontage....aaaaah.....what a view!....and what's wrong with pink? with 5 different hues of pink?
10:28pm • #9
258,595 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Well, I hope some day to join you an OUR friends for that walking tour. Wouldn't that be fun!
10:53pm • #10
MAR
21
2007
509,211 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Ines, I guess I am just not a pink person, maybe green, blue, brown, but just can't see myself in a pink house :)
7:55am • #11
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dena - come join us anytime - we have a lot of fun!

George - I'm not a pink person either, but would love to live there!  The upstairs has 2 bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms and 2 studies

8:03am • #12
509,211 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hummmmmmm..........I guess I could always go to the paint store and buy a few gallons of my favorite color.  I bet I could even get it in 5 shades.  What do you think.....................LOL
8:07am • #13
172,485 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hi Ines, I was just reading your Miami Shores blog for the 1st time - I've been reminiscing lately..I'll be in Miami April 13 - 16 - I may have to drive by it for old time's sake if I have time.  Say hello to Monique and Frank & Camilo if you see them anytime soon!
9:11am • #14
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

George - how could you paint "THE PINK HOUSE" any other color but PINK!!  Imagine a yellow "pink house" - that would really drive people crazy!  LOL!

Karen - you better call when you're here, I would love to meet you.  I'll call Monique so you can see what they have done to the house.  I will certainly say hello to them from you.

9:31am • #15
MAR
22
2007
188,344 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Oh my god that place is GOOSE BUMPY gorgeous! I love pink... it is an amazing color... that NEEDS to be appreciated in the sun. Mexico, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico all are GREAT pink states.

What a fun post.

Pink It Forward..

Me

5:07pm • #16
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Craig, you are too cool!  You always know what to say to get a girl happy.   ; )
7:28pm • #17
MAR
26
2007
1 Featured Post

Ines,

Love your story and description to this most interesting home.  I'm sure there is a also lot of color to the people who have resided there. 

4:56pm • #18
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ruth - it is definitely an interesting house and one that has been criticized quite a bit.  As for the color of the house now, it is not the original 5 tones of pink - I would love to see the original darker tone brought back but color is very difficult in Miami Shores (it is one of the negative points of this neighborhood)

"orange" how appropriate....my favorite color.

6:19pm • #19
543,413 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Rick and Ines - you should do a whole series of blogs on architectural treasures of your area, and have a section of your website devoted to the photos and descriptions. What a resource that would be!
6:39pm • #20
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sharon - I LOVE that idea!!  Thanks so much for the suggestion - I'll get working on it right away!
7:10pm • #21
MAR
31
2007
543,413 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Ines - I want all the updates on when you add something new!
1:24pm • #22
APR
01
2007
495,870 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I too LOVE this house and would definitely put it on my "to see" list when in Miami.  And I love Sharon's idea to put the "treasures" together! 
10:09am • #23
APR
02
2007
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sharon - but of course!!!  you'll be the first to know.

Carole - unfortunately this house is not open for tours, you can only see it from the outside (like the photo I took) - I'm hoping the owners will let us showcase the home in one of our home tours soon.

10:41pm • #24
APR
25
2007

I remember sitting in a car, being shown the house on a tour of "cool" sights by a friend about 10 years ago when I moved here...Great Post!

9:41pm • #25
APR
26
2007
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Caroline - thanks for stopping by (all these EWM managers in Active Rain - how cool is that!) - now you need for the agents to start blogging.
8:29am • #26
543,413 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thanks for adding this to the Buildings group, Ines.
3:16pm • #27
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sharon - thanks for letting me be a part of it!
3:31pm • #28
JAN
03
2008
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

If you are interested in doing shoots at this location please contact me, this is my home.

01/03/2008 by Jonathan Delete Report as Spam

5:27pm • #29
please note the home is registered as a company and we do charge :)
Jonathan
5:28pm • #30
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Jonathan - thanks so much fo leaving a message.  There are plenty of people who are always asking me about touring your house.   I also know a couple of your neighbors, including the Omenacas across the street and they have only good things to say about you.  Best wishes for the new year!

ines

5:29pm • #31
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jonathan - LOL!!  I figured that much!
5:33pm • #32
MAY
30
2008
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jonathan - I've been trying to contact you about a company scouting your house for commercials - please give me a call or e-mail me when you have a chance - 305-206-9366 or ines@miamism.com

12:26pm • #33
JAN
19
2009

I don't know how we'd feel about tours, commercials and photoshoots however are welcomed.  I just contacted you ines, sorry for the delay... I don't really check this site.

Jonathan
5:21pm • #34
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jonathan, got your email - thanks!

I had a NY company also looking to do a shoot - will contact you if something comes up - thanks!

5:28pm • #35
APR
25

I grew up just down the street from the pink house. on 93rd street and 12th avenue and used to play in that field for years before they built the pink house. fished there too and gigged for mullet. caught snapper. the spears lived a few blocks over.

there was a strong bauhaus design movement emerging at that time mostly from Arquitectonica. they build some building on Brickell Avenue if I recall. Other designers tried to emulate thier work with dreadful results.

the Wells, there next door neighbors had a cool pink 66 corvette they would park in the drive when magazines would do photo shoots there. tons of commericals and some Miami Vice shows were shot there. it was always happening. Mrs, Spears tried to put some curtains on the walls to warm it up but Bernardo freaked out so she relented. LOL. My parents knew the spears well and Chip Spears (who had polio) was in my cub scouts. Great guy. I got to tour the house and it was wonderful. So unique. Not for everyone but I loved it.

The tropical deco and bauhause trends of Miami will always be in my soul. I am 56 now living in San Diego and about to buy my first Bauhaus home.

Thanks for the memories and all the best

Bill Oxford

bill oxford
10:30pm • #36
214,052 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow Bill - those are some memories! thanks for sharing - would love to include this in the original article at miamism.com if you don't mind.  Here's the link:

http://www.miamism.com/the-pink-house-miami-shores-florida/

I've lived in Miami Shores for over 27 years - so maybe we have crossed paths at one time or another.  Feel free to contact us if you ever visit Miami Shores and good luck with that Bauhaus home purchase.

Ines

11:41pm • #37

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Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate

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