BIG twist: Bjarke Ingels puts a new spin on Miami condo living

Bjarke Ingels’ twisting towers have been steadily rising through Miami’s Coconut Grove skyline since 2012. We’ve been watching the Danish architect’s Grove at Grand Bay with eager anticipation, and are excited to finally take a look inside.

In tandem with luxury developer Terra, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) sought to create a progressive monument without detracting from the area’s colourful history. Coconut Grove is ’a sanctuary for artists, writers, and unconventional thinkers,’ explains David Martin, president of Terra. ’It has a long history of challenging the status quo.’

The Grove at Grand Bay continues this grand tradition of pushing boundaries. Each of the two towers’ 20 storeys promise outstanding views thanks to their unique corkscrew design – the structures arch around each other in an attractive architectural duet. Whichever way you look, views are unobstructed, despite the buildings’ close proximity. One direction overlooks Biscayne Bay and the newly developed Regatta Park, while the other stretches out to downtown Miami and the beach.

The towers’ floors fan out in a corkscrew-like design

Encircling the towers are the verdant creations of landscape architect Raymond Jungles (who also lives around the corner from Coconut Grove), developed in conjunction with Ingels. Together, they have created a strikingly sylvan residential campus. The combination of 500 trees, 15,000 plants, and a peppering of water features achieves a lush landscape that echoes the natural surroundings of Coconut Grove, without sacrificing the continuity between outside and in.

To that end, Ingels has ensured the interior and exterior schemes match with precision. Airy spaces are generously embellished by big-name artworks, including pieces by Olafur Eliasson and Pedro Reyes – though it doesn’t feel like living in an art gallery. Residential amenities are discreetly placed, unfussy and thoughtful. These include everything from a state-of-the-art fitness centre to a pet spa and children’s play area.

Private perks aside, respecting the flourishing local environment, community and economy was at the project’s heart. As Ingels explains, ’It was important that Grove at Grand Bay respond to its community through a design that was respectful and distinctive. This is a special place with a well-defined soul.’