13 apr 18 | World Architecture News

High rise development in Miami’s South Brickell neighbourhood continues as AS+GG release plans for a waterfront tower

By Nick Myall

Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) have unveiled their design for the Una Residences, a new 47-story condominium tower, designed for OKO Group, in Miami’s South Brickell neighbourhood. Once completed, Una will have spectacular views of Florida’s coastline including Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, and the Biscayne Islands.

The tower will be an iconic new vision that will help reinvent South Brickell, the 1970s birthplace of modern high-rise living in Miami. Brickell Avenue, named for early Miami founders William and Mary Brickell, is known by insiders as Miami’s “Park Avenue” with its scenic canopy of ancient oaks, shaded sidewalks, ease of access to the city’s financial district, award-winning restaurants, luxury retailers, and cultural and sporting venues.

AS+GG’s design intent was to develop a high-quality residential tower that would set the modern standard of living in Brickell. Residences were envisioned that would fully reflect the elegant, yet playful, lifestyle of Miami.

“We saw the opportunity to bring the Miami attitude to the building, it’s sophisticated and comfortable.” says AS+GG Design Partner, Gordon Gill, FAIA, “It stands in contrapposto, where it appears that one side of the building is holding its full weight and the other side is relaxing, looking at you."

The formal aspects of the building are sculptural in nature. It’s fluid, organic form speaks to the water, and to Miami’s climate, with large flowing terraces that wrap around the building. A sweeping cantilever at the south end of the tower overlooks the amenity spaces on the podium. By placing the amenities on the podium levels, the grounds around the tower are liberated, opening the space for public access to the waterfront. The public access points allow the design a more inviting opening sequence so that the landscaping of the building flows into the landscaping of the park.

“Una is shaped so that every residence will enjoy great views of the Bay and Ocean,” says AS+GG Design Partner, Adrian Smith, FAIA. “Every unit also has large living-room-like balconies that enhance the enjoyment of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that so important to Miami living.”

AS+GG will also lead the interior design efforts for the tower, ensuring a seamless exterior and interior aesthetic. The interior design was inspired by the RIva yacht, a highly crafted wooden sport boat made in Italy. Natural materials like leather, wood, and stone, are featured in warm colors that contrast with the cool tones of chrome and stainless steel. The palette generates a timeless, classic mood.

“Like a RIva yacht, the interior design is warm with beautiful detailing,” says Smith. “Like the building itself, the interior design responds to the program of luxury living, fun lifestyle, casual environment, and relaxing atmosphere. We also wanted the interior spaces to have a strong relationship to the exterior because we think of the architecture and the interiors as one expression.”

Gill agrees saying, “The continuity from the site to the building, and from the building to the interiors is important to us because timeless design comes from continuity; if the building is timeless, it can last forever.”

Una Residences (unaresidences.com) will have 138 elegantly crafted residences that range from two to five bedrooms. Each residence will feature ocean views, a private elevator entry, 10’8” ceiling heights, a chef’s kitchens with Gaggenau appliances, master suites with double closets and bathrooms, utility rooms with full-sized washers and dryers, and 10-foot deep expansive terraces that feature effortless “lift-and-glide” floor-to-ceiling doors with glass balcony railings for a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Residences range from 1,100 to 4,786 sq ft. Among the many signature elements that enhance the experience are a private marina for bayside excursions, three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga and personal training areas. Other luxuries include a dedicated beauty suite for private services, a private resident’s dining/party room, a cinema, a kids’ splash-pad area and playroom, an owners’ lounge and an outdoor lounge, and a 24-hour concierge.

“The waterfront neighbourhood of South Brickell is an established residential location bordering the leafy suburb of Coconut Grove and is on the doorstep of Key Biscayne, with its sandy beaches and popular parks.” said Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of OKO Group. “Una residents will benefit from accessibility to major roadways and the main transport arteries of Miami in only a few minutes. The tower will offer striking style, intimacy, exclusivity, and a superior range of first class amenities that celebrates the joie de vivre of Miami. Destined to become the new landmark on the Brickell skyline, Una, thanks to its internationally-renowned design team, will further define Miami as one of the world’s leading destinations for elegant living and sophisticated design.”