Miami Beach Residence

Renovated Two Bedroom Apartment with Ocean Views

Located in the Oceanside Plaza building, designed by Morris Lapidus in 1967, Miami Blu stands out with its open floor layout and large sliding pocket doors. The primary goal of the renovation was to create a space that fully embraces the stunning ocean views. By replacing walls with 12' wide pocket doors, the apartment can be used as a studio, one bedroom, or two bedroom, providing flexibility for the residents.

The master bathroom and closet were reconfigured to connect seamlessly to the bedroom through a door-less entry and glass display shelving. This design choice not only enhances the flow of the space but also allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the apartment. The entire residence is linked to the balcony through hand-painted blue ceramic tiles, designed by architect-designer Giò Ponti. This color scheme extends the 1040 square foot enclosed space to the Miami blue ocean, creating a harmonious connection between indoors and outdoors.

One of the technical challenges faced during the renovation was the installation of the hand-painted floor tiles. The concrete slab had to be leveled carefully to ensure proper drainage on the terrace and to prevent the tiles from cracking under excessive weight. Attention to detail and craftsmanship were essential to achieve the desired result.

Miami Blu is a testament to the designer's extensive research on Italian Mid Century furnishing and Gio Ponti's work. The interior design, fabrics, art, and furniture were all carefully selected to enhance the ocean views and create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The predominant white and blue color palette further connects the visitor with the sky and ocean, paying homage to Gio Ponti's iconic style.

The Miami Blu project began in May 2014 and was completed in November 2014. The renovation successfully transformed a traditional two bedroom condo into a modern and open space that fully embraces its coastal surroundings. The design has been recognized for its excellence and innovation, receiving the Silver A' Design Award in 2016 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design.

Image Credit: Emilio Collavino