Raleigh Hotel Renovation
The Raleigh Hotel, one of Miami’s iconic and historic buildings since its 1940 opening, stands architecturally distinct from the other oceanfront hotels along South Beach. The hotel was originally designed by Lawrence Murray Dixon, who adapted the streamline style of modernist design into a tropical landscape, introducing playful design motifs and nautically inspired details.
The Raleigh Hotel’s sculptural attention to geometric proportions and balance are one of its hallmark features that we sought to preserve throughout our renovation of the exteriors, while still adapting the existing structure to the demands of the 21st century. The rich and carefully preserved Art Deco interiors of the Raleigh Hotel, with its columns and terrazzo floors were carefully studied for this project.
The major architectural alterations were to the Raleigh’s historic cabanas, which face the ocean. Our design for the new pavilions employed a playful zig-zag geometry in conversation with the principles of Streamline Modern to deliver a more visually dynamic façade that still aligned with Dixon’s architectural style. The hotel’s exteriors were heavily landscaped, providing shade for hotel guests enjoying the poolside and outdoor amenities.
Miami’s design language is rooted in our sunny but challenging climate, and somewhat wild nature. It is lighter, brighter, and freer. When desired, it can immerse us in nature while still having protective boundaries from the sun, heat, and storms when needed.
At the heart of our practice is listening: listening to the unique dreams and passions of our clients and weaving their visions into the vibrant tapestry of our dynamic city. 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.
.jpeg)
The design for Coral Gables Residence exhibits a dual nature: a more traditional façade juxtaposed against a sleek and modern rear exterior.