GLASS residential tower by rene gonzalez and terra group

GLASS residential tower by rene gonzalez and terra group
image © michael klausmeier
all images courtesy of terra group

florida-based  developers terra group have collaborated with rene gonzalez on an 18-storey residential tower located at the southern tip of miami beach. the light and ethereal building, termed ‘GLASS’, has been designed to reflect and respond to its immediate environment, featuring façades which seemingly disappear into the atmosphere. rising unobtrusively above the surrounding landscape, the structure dematerializes as it reaches its peak, with textured fritted glazing becoming more transparent as the tower climbs. the proposal establishes a strong sense of place through its use of materials, textures and colors, grounding the project and encapsulating the region’s natural environment.

the luxurious penthouses which occupy the upper levels of the tower
image © michael klausmeier

the entrance to ‘GLASS’ is conceived as an immersive and experiential space, evoking a sense of transition. working alongside rene gonzalez, artist ivan toth depeña has created an interactive installation within the elevator, further extending the perceptions of movement which permeate the design. the work involves vibrant pixelated patterns of color at each level of the building communicating the gradual segue from water to sky.

the structure dematerializes as it rises, becoming part of the surrounding environment
image © michael klausmeier

internally, the layout features open floor plans with panoramic views across the floridian coastline. at each storey, expansive terraces with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors provide generous amounts of daylight for the properties, softening divisions of internal and external space. mirrored walls at each entry point reflect views of the atlantic ocean, ensuring a strong relationship is formed with the luxury condominium’s context. while all foyer and lobby areas contain bespoke ceiling lighting systems which echo and imitate different skyscapes.

terra group are involved in a number of high-profile projects in the miami region, with ongoing developments with renowned practices OMA and bjarke ingels group (BIG).

expansive terraces offer panoramic views of the floridian coastline
image © michael klausmeier

external areas of recreation overlook the harbor below
image © michael klausmeier

the lobby evokes a sense of transition with an interactive installation housed within the elevator
image © michael klausmeier

floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors provide vast amounts of daylight
image © michael klausmeier

a typical living space, with extensive ocean views
image © michael klausmeier

bathrooms are elegantly furnished with natural materials
image © michael klausmeier

a generously proportioned marble-clad kitchen
image © michael klausmeier

floor plan level 6-7
2 bedroom unit

floor plan level 6-7
3 bedroom unit

floor plan levels 8-15
3 bedroom unit

floor plan levels 8-15
4 bedroom unit

conceptual sketch of the design

development sketches

comparative illustration of how the building seems to dematerialize and echo the effect of water and sky

comparative illustration of how the building seems to dematerialize and echo the effect of water and sky

deep to shallow water tones translate to the building's architecture

axonometric diagram indicating the patterned starlight ceilings found in the tower's lobbies

diagram indicating the patterned starlight ceilings found in the tower's lobbies

diagram highlighting the different skyscapes echoed in the tower's design

axonometric diagram of the lobby, highlighting the art installation housed in the elevator

exemplar works by artist ivan toth depeña which will be found in the tower's elevators

the interactive pieces will be found at each storey

the installations mimic the transition from ground to sky

full article here