Grove at Grand Bay by BIG Architects
By Lucas on Nov 02, 2012
Occassionally on the HomesAndCondosBlog, we take a step back from examining local architects’ designs, and check out what some of our favourite international architects are up to. This week, we visited BIG Architects’ website, and lucky us, we found a new residential project that they are currently working on for a site in Miami, Florida.On BIG’s website, the project is nicknamed Coco, but the actual name for the development is Grove at Grand Bay. BIG calls the project Coco because it is located in the Coconut Grove area of Miami.
There are three aspects on which BIG’s Coco design is based: The Miami vernacular, the area of Coconut Grove, and the views.The Miami Vernacular: According to BIG, Miami has become known for their modern high-rises featuring brise-soleil style balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. So BIG’s design works with this aesthetic and puts a literal twist on it.Coconut Grove: This neighbourhood of Miami is famous for its “untamed indigenous nature,” and BIG has noticed that the environment is in danger of being replaced by a concrete slab. The solution for creating more green space in Coconut Grove is to create a more compact floorplate, making more room in between and around the towers.
Views: A view of the water is key in a Miami condo, and BIG achieves this in a very simple and effective way. The south tower is located on the west side of the lot and twisted in a way which allows for the north tower to have views of the water. Also, BIG optimizes the top floors of both towers, so that more residents get to enjoy the views.Once again, BIG has taken a site and maximized its potential with a straightforward, yet innovative design. The twist that BIG uses for Grove at Grand Bay isn’t a new kind of design, but it is definitely one that is not used enough - especially since there are so many advantages of it, like panoramic views, a compact floorplate, and it makes for a distinctive look on any skyline.
Would you like to see a condo development like this in Toronto?What other designs are you aware of that use the “twist” method?
