Miami Beach Oceanfront Residence
In Foster + Partners iconic South Beach oceanfront condominium development, the Faena combine two units to create one integrated residence which embraces views from Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami to the beach and the Atlantic ocean.
The insertion of the functional long millwork component in the shape of a mast runs the length of the public spaces of the unit and narrows in geometry toward the ocean, where there is a large opening that allows the full curve of the waterfront exposure and balcony above to be appreciated.
The interior meets the exterior where it opens up to the full curve of the waterfront exposure and large balcony. The rugs in the living room and master bedroom are formed by concentric radiating circles, that mimic the shape of the oceanfront balcony and overhang above, in the color and texture of soft sand that changes in a radial line in the master bedroom.
The vocabulary of all the spaces including bedrooms, screening room, kitchen, dining room, and living room, evokes the contextual imagery of South Beach itself, with its cabanas, sun louvers, beach balls, and the palettes of sun and sea. The backdrop of the mast-like form is composed of watercolor blue glass panels which integrate with the sky beyond, while the terrazzo floors mimic the pattern of the shifting sands.
At the narrowest connection between the two units, an Alice in Wonderland like keyhole “through the looking glass” creates an axis that focuses on a yellow curved cylinder, in the only internal windowless space of the apartment. It is evocative of a sun.
White and yellow sculptural wire mesh Jellyfish by Benedetta Mori Ubaldini, are silhouetted against the sun form and cast underwater like shadows on the wall. The terrazzo floor becomes a wave that laps against the plaster wall, recalling the movement of the surf at sea.
In the living room, the custom curved sofas are tidal shapes which face the mast-form adjacent to the circular Willy Rizzo dining table and Campana Brothers Sushi Sofa, made out of flip-flop material.
Each guest bedroom explores primary beach colors seen in the umbrellas that populate the beach. The furnishings on the media screening room are large-scale chaises made out of graphic textures of sand colored textiles.
In celebrating and embracing its context, this joyful residence is filled with sun, sea, and sky.
