Terracotta Water Wall
Our prototype for a terracotta water wall cladding solution was developed with Thornton Tomasetti for the Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW) 2024. The challenge for this innovation was to come up with a future-ready façade suited for subtropical coastal regions. Terracotta was chosen for its ability to withstand increasing heat and humidity conditions, while considering the possible relocation and adaptation of the material for other sites as sea level changes present increasing challenges for coastal cities.
The precedent which inspired our prototype was the Portland Expo Center’s Stormwater Wall, designed with similar aims of integrating sustainable practice and seamless architectural design. While this wall provided a framework for our Terracotta Water Wall, we needed to design a solution that was specific to the weather patterns and natural conditions of South Florida, but that also spoke to the architectural style of Miami—we needed something uniquely subtropical.
Using Mid River Vu as a model, we designed a Terracotta Water Wall comprised of 3 curved extrusions. The water that falls on the wall creates a rain dance as it streams down into planters at the bottom. Crucial to this innovative design was creating a terracotta cladding solution for large-scale applications on new projects.
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.
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The design for Coral Gables Residence exhibits a dual nature: a more traditional façade juxtaposed against a sleek and modern rear exterior.