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Chad Oppenheim

LIFESTYLE, Living, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle: Chad Oppenheim World-Renowned Architect On His Latest Projects & Passion for Architecture

By Angela Betancourt When he was just seven years old, Miami-based architect Chad Oppenheim watched as his parents built a custom home. He became fascinated with the process and spent a lot of time with the architect learning and absorbing as much as he could. His interest grew throughout his elementary school years and by the time he reached the 8th grade, he was hooked and a lifelong love affair with architecture had begun. “While most of my friends were reading Sports Illustrated, I was reading Architectural Digest,” said Oppenheim. Oppenheim went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University and in 1999 became the founding principle of the award winning firm Oppenheim Architecture. Today, Oppenheim has become one of the most sought after architects of his time. His firm has become globally recognized for socially and environmentally conscious architecture and has set trends in the sustainable and humanitarian sectors. “I have a deep respect for the natural world, place, and life, and design projects that support and enhance those experiences. I like to celebrate the sense of place for each project that I’m designing by using natural resources and elements such as light, air, water, sky, views and vegetation, as well as locally sourced materials that root the project in its place,” said the architect. “Nature in itself inspires me.” His intense passion for green architecture has made Oppenheim a highly demanded speaker and lecturer. He has lectured at some of most prestigious universities in the country and he is the recipient of more than 50 academic and career distinctions. Among all of his awards, Oppenheim is most proud of being elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Oppenheim Architecture has left its mark around the world. In South Florida, the fi rm is behind the Ten Museum Park, Bal Harbour House, Marriott Marco Island, Sonesta Key Biscayne, and dozens more. To say that the firm’s project list is impressive is an understatement. With Chad Oppenheim at the helm, the company has quickly risen to the ranks of one of the most in-demand architecture firms in the world. Between single-family residences, mixed-use commercial buildings, hotels, and urban projects, Oppenheim Architecture has proven it can tackle just about anything. Behind all of this success is a strong philosophy and culture about the industry that is the driving force behind Oppenheim’s work. His vision and mission also inspires his team who share the same sense of purpose. “We strive to create architecture of elemental means that achieves the maximum effect of building both urbanistically from the scale of the pedestrian, to the experience inside of the building. Modern architecture can sometimes be associated as being cold and absent of charm, but we strive to create the ultimate nurturing and comforting environment for the occupants of our architecture. We want to create buildings and spaces that support and enhance life,” explained Oppenheim. Creating to support and enhance life means a chance for growth. To Oppenheim, each and every project is an opportunity to evolve in ways that further connect to what he describes as “the spirit of place.” It’s the idea of creating and building structures that seemingly integrate to its surroundings. It’s how Oppenheim brings his philosophy to life and helps define his signature style. “I love working on projects that integrate themselves into their environment and that celebrate the natural ecology of the place. I enjoy projects of all different scales, and I incorporate my design philosophy into each project regardless of its size. My main mission is to enhance life and the way people live, which is a lot of fun to do with single family homes, resorts and multi-family residences. I love creating incredible houses and environments for amazing clients,” said Oppenheim. The firm has been keeping busy winning additional accolades and working on both domestic and international projects. They recently won the Asia Pacific 2015 Award for Net Metropolis, a 1,550,000 sq ft mixed-use commercial building. Located in the Philippines, Net Metropolis uses cutting-edge technology and exceptional quality coupled with green design. They also won the 2015 Architizer A+ Awards for Residential Interiors, Jury Winner. In Miami, they completed designs for a new Whole Foods planned for 1901 Alton Road in Miami Beach which will feature 55,000 sq ft of retail space, 281 parking spaces, and a green wall and planters to shield the garage. It’s a very exciting time not just for the Oppenheim and his team but also for South Florida and the world. Oppenheim’s projects will continue to set the bar in this city and beyond. Miami especially has come a long way. “I think Miami has notoriously been a place where great architects designed not-so-great buildings. Now we’re starting to see great architects come in and do great buildings. It’s exciting to see that there’s an added value to projects with good design. It is something that our firm has been a proponent about, especially with residential buildings, which for a long time didn’t get that attention. We are now seeing it globally where residential buildings are getting the highest level of architecture.” House on a Dune Photography by Karen Fuchs House on a Dune is a minimalistic, elegant, and comfortable beach house located in Harbour Island, Bahamas: an island of choice for many high profiled celebrities. The 3,000 sq ft waterfront private residence was designed to reconnect its inhabitants with nature. Its design celebrates the island’s natural beauty and inspires a powerful connection to place and time. The home was built with environmentally sensitive materials that include concrete blocks, recycled cedar, reused pipe, and milk paint. The home has sliding doors that are made of impact-resistant glass as well as a palm frond roof made of cedar shakes similar to the architectural styles of many of the homes on the island over the last several hundred years. The home also holds many technological tricks that cleverly hide any visible light fixtures,

Digital Edition, LIFESTYLE, Living, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle: Trending Homes in Miami

By Angela Betancourt As Miami’s economic landscape continues to improve, developers are not wasting any time building elaborate projects that have put the city in the global spotlight. World renowned architects, designers, and famous brands, have been sought to create some of the most luxurious homes and condos Miami has ever seen. Among the list of lavish and opulent residences are Paraiso Bayviews, The Surf Club Four Seasons, and Casa Playa; all of which are setting a new standard for luxury living in Miami. CASA PLAYA Located just 15 minutes north of The Four Seasons Surf Club is Casa Playa, the single-family mansion and private oceanfront retreat, in the prestigious Golden Beach neighborhood. Miami Golden, the developer behind Casa Playa recently held a private event for prospective buyers to get a glimpse of the home being built at 699 Ocean Boulevard. When complete, Casa Playa will have an impressive 8 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, access to a private beach, 6,000 square feet of terraces, 5,000-square foot home spa and fitness level, a home theater, a lap pool with a waterfall, a safe room, and numerous spa pools. A drawing room with a hidden staircase and staff quarters with a separate entrance are just a few additional highlights. The home is currently on the market for a staggering $36 million. One of the most important things to note about this property is its green factor. Casa Playa was designed by Chad Oppenheim who is known within the industry for his socially and environmentally conscious architecture. The temperature-controlled retreat has an energy-efficient green rooftop and a three story exterior ecowall that will feature 25 different plant species growing around a spiral staircase. Casa Playa is located at 699 Ocean Blvd, Golden Beach, FL For more information, please visit http://miamigolden.com/properties/699/ THE SURF CLUB FOUR SEASONS HOTEL & RESIDENCES Across the bay in Surfside, the Miami-based private real estate investment company Fort Capital, has joined forces with the Four Seasons to develop The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel & Residences. Located at 9011 Collins Avenue, The Surf Club Four Seasons is a luxury residential and hotel development project currently under construction on nine acres of ocean front property. The development is preserving the landmark Surf Club, which was designed by Russell Pancoast in the 1930s. For the past 80 years, the club’s old world charm and glamorous interior made it one of the most exclusive clubs in Miami Beach. Architect Richard Meier, a Pritzker Prize winner, is embracing that history as he creates modern new additions. When the building is complete, there will be two transparent 12 story residential towers, a private membership club, two restaurants, four swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and fi tness center, more than 40 beach cabanas, and an expansive park and ocean-side gardens. The residences comprise 157 homes, including 12 penthouses with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Downtown. The units will range in size from 1,800 to 7,800 square feet with floor to ceiling glass walls and up to twenty-foot-high ceilings. The smooth “lift and glide” terrace doors lead residents to large terraces and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. Select rooftop residences have private swimming pools, atriums with private indoor courtyards, and outdoor showers and kitchens. Though all the units are being constructed with exceptional quality, the 12 penthouses are distinguished by their extraordinary design. They range in size from, 5,400 to 7,500 square feet with a vast amount of private outdoor entertaining and recreational areas. Rooftop gardens, private swimming pools, outdoor living and dining rooms, and private beachfront cabanas are just some of the extra perks. The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel & Residences is located at 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 For more information, please visit www.thesurfclub.com PARAISO BAYVIEWS 50 years ago, the Edgewater community, which begins just north of the Omni, was a vibrant neighborhood until it came into hard times in the 1990’s. Today, the neighborhood has found a new identity and has become a hot commodity for real estate. Paraiso Bayviews is the latest addition to Edgewater’s new luxury Paraiso Bay compound, a high-end development project being built by The Related Group. This building and its sister towers are credited for helping infuse new life in the Edgewater area and has become an attractive option for buyers looking for a resort-style environment. In a city dominated by million dollar condos, Paraiso Bayviews is garnering a lot of attention for its affordable prices which start at $340K. However, there are no sacrifices in amenities. Boasting 44 stories and 396 units, the building has a very contemporary architectural design that’s showcased throughout the property. There are lush gardens, outdoor lounge areas, and marina and boat slips. In addition to an onsite restaurant managed by chef Michael Schwartz, residents will also enjoy a private theater, fi tness center, rooftop pool, a tennis court, and much more; all with 1,000 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront as the backdrop. Each unit is move-in ready and showcases nine foot ceilings, spacious terraces, floor to ceiling resistant glass panels, and modern appliance packages. The project’s international interior and industrial designer Karim Rashid is recognized as one of the most important industrial designers of our time and evolved his trademark colors and bold shapes for a softer more natural approach to the project. Paraiso Bayviews is located at 600 NE 31st Street, Miami, FL 33137 For more information, please visit www.paraisobayviews.com If these three trending residential projects are any indication, it has never been a better time to explore Miami’s flourishing real estate market scene. From more affordable options to the double digit millions, Paraiso Bayviews, The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel & Residences, and Casa Playa, all showcase just how great Miami luxury living can be.

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