A Sojourn in Style: The Bal Harbour Residence by Hino Studio × Navicon Construction
- adriana
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Perched on the shimmering Atlantic coast – where the breeze tangles with city sophistication and resort-style ease – this residence in the heart of Bal Harbour stands as a nuanced synthesis of luxury, light, and Latin-inflected mid-century design. In conjuring an environment that feels both elevated and intimately relaxed, Hino Studio (led by principal designer Sabrina MacLean) teamed with Navicon Construction to deliver a home that resonates with the South Florida lifestyle while rooted in timeless materiality and sculptural elegance.
The clients, seasoned art collectors based in New York, brought to the project a clear and bold request: a mid-century modern aesthetic with Latin flair, set within the context of a high-rise ocean-facing residence. With full creative freedom (“carte blanche,” as MacLean recalls), the design team had the opportunity to craft an experience rather than simply fill space.
From the outset, the pre-existing floor plan dictated both challenge and opportunity: generous living spaces with sweeping views, yet the ambition was to introduce intimacy, texture and moments of surprise – something bespoke rather than “typical showroom”.
Upon entry, one is greeted by a custom-designed walnut slatted screen: an elegant harp-like structure that both defines and liberates the foyer, providing visual interest, movement and a transitional moment between arrival and living space. “Millwork was a big component of how to subdivide the space while keeping an open layout,” MacLean reflects.
Flooring transitions are deliberate: honed Greek marble in the main living areas creates a cool, refined backdrop, while bedrooms and more intimate zones employ bleached walnut herringbone to introduce warmth and tactile contrast.
Arches recur as architectural motifs – from the dining area to the powder room, where a barrel-vaulted ceiling and textured stone and wallpaper treatments create a “chapel-like” ambiance. “It almost feels like a chapel,” MacLean notes of the powder room’s design.
Rather than simply fill the rooms with white-glove luxury, Hino Studio layered the home with curated art, bold furnishings and handcrafted details. Mid-century icons (both European and Latin American) intermingle: Vladimir Kagan seating, Brazilian Jorge Zalszupin armchairs, and Brazilian modernist pioneer Sergio Rodrigues—all chosen to dialogue with the clients’ vibrant art collection.
The living area is organized into dual conversation zones—an intentional pivot to entertain larger groups while retaining comfortable intimacy. Textures of leather, velvet, boucle, and silk threads weave together, bringing depth and richness to a palette anchored in earthy tones, terracotta accents and hints of blue that echo the Atlantic beyond the windows.
Turning sophisticated design into built reality, Navicon Construction delivered the meticulous execution required for this scale of luxury. Known throughout Miami for high-end construction, Navicon’s role here was to honor the architectural precision (perfectly square, plumb lines; flawless surfaces) while accommodating the bold material palette and unique elements of the brief.
From custom millwork to carved arches, from curated lighting to hidden storage walls, the craftsmanship on display supports the aesthetic rather than overshadowing it. The result is a residence that reveals its depth over time rather than shouting its luxury from every surface.
Bal Harbour – synonymous with beachside elegance and luxurious seaside lifestyle – provides not only sun and sand but proximity to the city, design-savvy retail (hello, Bal Harbour Shops), and an international clientele. The interplay of natural light, ocean reflections and high-end finishes suits the region’s climate and lifestyle. Cool marble, warm walnut, and curated textures create a home that is both serene and sun-lit. For the South Florida audience, this project stands out by resisting the expected tropes of “beach condo chic.” Instead, it offers substance, story and sculptural design elements – qualities that resonate with the savvy buyer who values quality, longevity and personality. The residence is built for more than show – it supports entertaining large groups and everyday comfort with equal measure. For those living in Miami and balancing work, leisure and hospitality, this dual capability is key.
Hino Studio: A Miami-based interior design firm led by Sabrina MacLean, Hino Studio is recognized for its thoughtful approach to spatial intimacy, wellness-focused design and material refinement.
Navicon Construction: An established general contractor specializing in luxury residential projects in the Miami region, Navicon brings the sort of build expertise required to deliver high-complexity interiors.
In this Bal Harbour residence, the fusion of Latin warmth, mid-century modern rigor and high-luxury residential living creates a home that feels entirely Miami – and yet utterly unique. It’s a space that understands the geography of luxury, the importance of craftsmanship, and the subtleties of pacing a living environment from arrival to evening repose.