A restored 1948 Miami residence designed by modernist architect Rufus Nims has been listed for $6.5 million. The home, now called SkyFin, was carefully renovated by architect Gabriela Liebert to preserve its original design while adapting it for contemporary living. Located in the historic Morningside neighborhood, the property blends tropical modernist architecture with light filled interiors and sculptural outdoor spaces.

A tropical modernist landmark in Miami

In the leafy waterfront neighborhood of Morningside, just north of the Design District in Miami, a distinctive piece of architectural history has returned to the market. The residence, originally completed in 1948 by architect Rufus Nims, stands apart from the surrounding homes that largely reflect Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival styles.

Nims was known for shaping what became known as South Florida tropical modernism. His work often incorporated passive cooling strategies that helped homes adapt to the region’s heat and humidity. These methods included cross ventilation, shaded outdoor areas, and open layouts designed to encourage airflow.

Beyond residential architecture, Nims was also responsible for designing the recognizable motor lodges associated with the Howard Johnson brand that once lined highways across the United States.

Within Morningside, his 1948 residence became known as the Charles Roman House, named after its original owner. Roman held the property until around 1975, after which the house passed through various hands before eventually sitting vacant for an extended period.

A bold architectural revival

The next chapter for the home began in 2022 when architect Gabriela Liebert acquired the neglected property for $1.5 million. Recognizing the historical importance of the structure, Liebert launched an ambitious restoration and expansion project.

Her goal was not simply to renovate the house but to respect its architectural integrity while adapting it for modern living. The transformation preserved the defining characteristics of Nims’s design while introducing contemporary materials, updated spatial arrangements, and improved functionality.

The revitalized residence was renamed SkyFin, a title that references the sweeping sculptural form that appears to hover above the main bedroom’s rooftop terrace. The name also reflects the sense of movement created by the home’s curving lines and flowing architectural forms.

Large expanses of glass bring sunlight deep into the interior. As the day progresses, the shifting light creates changing patterns across the surfaces of the rooms, highlighting the home’s dynamic geometry and fluid layout.

Interiors shaped by light and movement

The lower level of the home is defined by an open plan layout anchored by structural elements that remain visible from the original design. Support beams frame the central great room, while pale wood flooring introduces warmth and texture to the modern interior.

Walls of glass dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the surrounding tropical landscape to become an extension of the living environment.

The living area offers views of the home’s curved exterior staircase, which originally led to the main entrance. Nearby, the dining area faces the garden, creating a quiet visual connection to the lush outdoor surroundings.

At the heart of the space sits a contemporary kitchen designed by the Italian brand Boffi. The sleek layout is punctuated by a dramatic oval window positioned above the sink. This distinctive feature serves both as a design statement and a functional source of natural light.

Throughout the home, curved architectural elements guide the eye smoothly from one space to another. The flowing forms contribute to a sense of rhythm and continuity that reinforces the modernist character of the property.

Five bedrooms across layered living spaces

The residence spans just over 4,200 square feet and contains five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The layout has been organized to support both everyday living and entertaining.

On the ground floor, a guest bedroom with its own private bathroom provides a comfortable space for visitors. The second level includes a flexible study area with an en suite bathroom that can easily function as an additional bedroom if required. A casual lounge area also sits on this level, offering a relaxed retreat from the main living areas below.

The primary suite unfolds across several interconnected levels, creating a private residential environment within the larger home. The sequence begins with a sunken dressing area that leads into a spacious bathroom and a fitted walk in closet.

The bedroom itself is semicircular in shape, echoing the sculptural curves that define the overall architecture. Above this space sits a lofted study that opens onto a rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding neighborhood.

The terrace features one of the home’s most dramatic design elements. A sculptural fireplace hangs from an arched vaulted ceiling, acting as a visual centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Outdoor spaces designed for the South Florida climate

The renovation also paid careful attention to the property’s outdoor environment. The corner lot measures approximately 0.19 acres, which required thoughtful planning to maximize its potential.

Two large covered patios provide shaded outdoor living areas that offer relief from the intense South Florida sun. These spaces allow residents to enjoy the tropical climate while remaining comfortably protected.

A crescent shaped plunge pool reflects the home’s curving architectural language. Its gentle arc mirrors the sculptural lines seen throughout the house, creating visual harmony between the structure and the landscape.

Surrounding lawns and dense foliage complete the garden setting. Carefully placed greenery softens the architectural edges and contributes to a tranquil atmosphere that blends indoor and outdoor living.

A rare architectural offering

Today, SkyFin stands as both a restoration project and a reinterpretation of mid century tropical modernism. By preserving the essence of Rufus Nims’s design while introducing contemporary elements, Gabriela Liebert has created a residence that honors the past without being confined by it.

The property is currently listed for $6.5 million through Pietro Belmonte and Carlos Fernandez of Douglas Elliman. For buyers drawn to distinctive architecture and carefully executed restorations, the home represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Miami’s architectural heritage while enjoying the comforts of modern design.

Written By: Lydia Kelly

Published: 10th March 2026