The client envisioned a home that was thoroughly modern yet grounded in historical architectural precedents; like many of our projects, 101 Hibiscus was crafted to respect past design traditions, while capturing aspirations for the future. In particular, 101 Hibiscus was designed as a modern Miami Beach translation of a Hôtel Particulier, or French urban mansion.
The concept of the arrival court, inspired by the Cour d’honneur, included a threshold gate and a discreetly positioned garage, which was aptly placed where traditional stables would have been located.
Beyond the arrival court, an oversized Foyer opens to waterfront views and a large Grand Stair, emulating the parti, or spatial organization, of actual French urban palaces. Through research and studies, we discovered that the elements that made the architecture of Hôtel Particuliers so grand were those invisible elements embedded into the architectural fabric—proportion and scale. These played a pivotal role in the design, ensuring that each new space was mathematically harmonious and evocative of the graciousness of Hôtel Particuliers. Every detail from stair threads to ceiling heights contributed to the harmonious flow of spaces.
Even the materiality and detailing of the house, which seem minimal, required a meticulous level of detail and craft. Our client sourced some of the world’s finest marbles, pre-cut in Italy and assembled on-site. The result was a breathtaking display of ornate patterns and exquisite marble floors and walls throughout the house.
For the rooftop garden we did a modern interpretation of a French garden that incorporated a fun, futurist, Miami Beach twist: in lieu parterres and fountains the green roof included a spa pool and sunning beds.
With attention to the client’s wishes, the finished residence was purposely crafted for entertaining guests while enjoying stunning, waterfront views. Initial research focused on the spatial and historic roots of Hôtel Particulier, drawing from these proportions and layouts and reimagining them for Miami Beach's architecture and tropical climate.