design et al are delighted to announce that Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design have been shortlisted for Hotel Under 200 Rooms – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2018.
A striking, 10-story glass tower sitting above a historic building façade, the Hyatt Centric South Beach blends Miami’s Art Deco roots with today’s modern aesthetics. The Hyatt Centric South Beach is a simple, mid-century modern beachside apartment building created around a central courtyard (or breezeway). This design preserves South Beach’s historic fabric while providing a contemporary tower and serves as a reflection of its context in one of the densest parts of this resort city. Shifting façade planes wrapping around the tower create long niches that push and pull guestroom windows to resemble the original language of the low-slung building. The footprint of the original building is maintained as a rectangle, set on the east-west axis around the ‘courtyard’ volume, a space once open to prevailing ocean breezes and now enclosed by an expansive glass ceiling to become an almost-theatrical, double-height restaurant.
While the mid-century ‘pedestal’ and contemporary tower address the urban context by their façades, they are connected by a third-floor lobby level that almost disappears in favour of the context. Here, guests are enveloped by South Beach’s famous local colour and life. The indoor/outdoor room functions as a cocktail lounge, library, and the hotel’s lobby. Neighbouring Art Deco hotels and the beach are brought inside by disappearing sliding glass walls. Outside is a rooftop oasis, with a swimming pool perched above Collins Avenue, lounge chairs and cabanas. Interiors are minimalistic and elegant in a mostly neutral colour palate with pops of yellow. Guest rooms have open bathrooms, contemporary furnishings, carefully selected artwork, and wide inset window seats.
One of the architect’s favourite aspect of the Hyatt Centric is said to be the location. Miami is famous for its Art Deco era and the effect this time period has had on the design world. With bright, vibrant and tropical colours, the Art Deco style clearly epitomizes Miami living. The Hyatt Centric of South Beach elevates the Art Deco flavour into the 21st century. The Hyatt’s new glass building perfectly ties in clean lines and minimalistic design, whilst the bright colours and eccentric patterns pay homage to the Art Deco era. When vacationing in sunny Florida, the stay at the Hyatt Centric South Beach will not disappoint. It pays tribute to the classic Miami style, while providing luxury and relaxation. The modern glass facade stands out in the historic district that it is located in. It proves that modern luxury can meet classic, historic design.
