Lower Penthouse by Jessica Jaegger: Blends Tropical Design and Sophistication

Designed by Jessica Jaegger, this penthouse at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach reflects Brazilian roots through modern tropical design. With natural materials, custom renovations, and curated furniture, the residence balances sophistication with warmth. The result is a sky-high retreat that embodies the lifestyle of its owners while showcasing stunning views of southern Florida.

Elif Ayse Sen21 September 20251 Mins read2

Lower Penthouse by Jessica Jaegger: Blends Tropical Design and Sophistication

Jessica Jaegger

Miami, Florida, USA

185 m²

@jessicajaeggerdesign

Designed by interior designer Jessica Jaegger, this lower penthouse on the 48th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, combines sophistication, personal memories, and tropical references. Covering 465m² (approximately 5,006 sq ft) with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, the apartment was purchased by a technology entrepreneur and his wife, both from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a family vacation retreat.

From the start, the clients wanted a home that reflected their Brazilian roots, incorporating elements of modern tropical architecture such as palm trees, vibrant colors, and the relaxed atmosphere of a beach house. The connection with Jaegger was immediate, as the designer was also born in Rio de Janeiro and brought this cultural background as the guiding thread of the project, which was ready for execution when the unit, still in pre-construction, was delivered.

To bring the concept to life, Jaegger relied on natural materials and organic textures such as wood, stone, and fibers, adding warmth and authenticity to the spaces. Neutral surfaces were accented with pops of color, while bronze and brass details reinforced the elegance typical of her work.

The apartment underwent extensive renovations, including modifications to the master bathroom layout, the integration of a suspended Futuro Futuro range hood with display shelves, and the installation of a glass-enclosed wine cellar. The main challenge was installing 185 m² (approximately 1,992 sq ft) of white oak slatted panels on the ceiling, which required demolishing the original slabs and reinforcing the structure to ensure safety and durability.

The finishes consolidated a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. Italian Santa Caterina travertine flooring created the perfect neutral base for the furniture, which includes pieces from renowned brands such as Brazilian ETEL and Italian Minotti. The owners’ art collection, featuring works by Manolo Valdés and Carlos Cruz-Diez, added even more identity and exclusivity to the space.

The result is a sky-high retreat that combines Brazilian inspiration with stunning views of southern Florida, translating the residents’ lifestyle into a sophisticated, welcoming, and highly personalized project.