- Name: Pine Tree
- Location: Miami, United States
- Architects: SAOTA
- Project Architects: Philip Olmesdahl, Mark Bullivant & Andrew Moerdyk
Open plan living and the ability to live in and through your home
has inspired this transparent and easy-living family home. Set
between the Indian Creek Canal and Pine Tree Drive in Miami’s
historic Collin’s Waterfront district, the SAOTA-designed space
is expansive and fluid – opening onto the activity of the canal
when desired or contained when privacy is needed.
Pine Tree is SAOTA’s first project to be completed in Miami.
SAOTA’s design DNA is derived from the South African way
of living which places an emphasis on the outdoors as people
live both in and through their homes. Captivated by the Miami
climate and landscape potential the design embodies these
principles; creating a landscape of experiences.
The concept of containment is perhaps best embodied in the
screens that cloak the building. Primarily born out of the functional
need for privacy and solar control; their application evolved
to something far more significant as CNC punched anodised
aluminium becomes architectural jewellery. The screens play
with the character of light, heightening the experience of
enclosure and transparency. In some instances they define
spaces as with the double volume nature of the entrance, in
others they facilitate the bedroom terraces becoming part of the
bedroom – private, protected sanctuaries.
Where the screens are iconic and loud, the finishes are assertive
but restrained. A key intent was to implement a finishes palette
that was controlled and continuous, limiting the materials to
a core few wherever possible. This ensured a cohesion both
between spaces, but also the internal and external connections.
It’s refined in a way that the spaces are comfortable in which
to live.
This approach extends to the outdoor spaces; a great deal of
time and effort went into the design of the rear pool courtyard.
Understanding the use of the spaces; how the pool will be used
and when; the space further animated by a series of events;
whether that be the hot tub, BBQ, Bar, or a waterslide - the
brainchild of Barry Brodsky himself. Working with Raymond
Jungles was an excellent experience for SAOTA as his relaxed,
confident and freehand approach to landscaping resulted in
a natural environment that truly reflects Miami. His input has
added another dimension to the project.