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The Oakwood Residence is a custom designed private residence in the classic International Style of Architecture, creating
elements and spaces similar to Yoshio Taniguchi’s expansion of the Every effort has been taken to design this house using Sustainable ("green") Architecture. The primary effort is to preserve the virgin naturalness of the three acres for the plants, small animals, birds and insects that live there. Renewable and recyclable materials will be used wherever possible, such as bamboo floors, porcelain tile for the living room floor and bathrooms, and an extensive use of glass. A blue-tinted glass will be used to reduce glare and some heat transmission. Tankless "on-demand" water heaters powered by natural gas will greatly reduce energy use. The kitchen ranges and cloths dryer will also use gas, which is more efficient than electric appliances. All of the lighting will use energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFL), low voltage halogen fixtures, and LED lighting. When it rains (and it certainly does in South Florida) on the multi-level roof, the rain is forced to flow and cascade down to adjacent lower roof levels. The water from the entire roof system is directed to one location where it “waterfalls” into the main reflecting pond which can be seen directly from the West end of Living Room. It then flows over an “infinity edge” into a 12,000 gallon Cistern where the rain water is stored .The Cistern will be used to supply the massive water features on the west side of the house, as well as irrigating trees and plants. The Living Room (20’ x 48’) has a twenty-eight foot high all glass wall (with no mullions) at the East end looking out at a tall and expansive Conserviary (see below). At the West end of the Living Room there is a ten-foot high curtain wall overlooking a reflecting pond with an infinity edge at the far end. The infinity edge is formed by a sheet of plate glass making the “cube” of water to appear to be standing up by itself. The Living Room ceiling includes three different heights which flow into adjacent rooms on either side eliminating the feeling of a long narrow space. Younger guests will enjoy the adjacent Media Room where many forms of the visual arts can be enjoyed and contemplated: Movies, Books, Art, Sculpture, Video, TV, Video Games, and more. Just steps away from the Art/Design Studio where many works to be displayed will have been created. The Art / Design Studio is a large space with a 12 foot high ceiling and will be well lit with very large windows on two walls, a large glass block opening on the third wall and three 4’ x 4’ skylights above. There will be a nine foot wide by fourteen foot high roll-up "garage door" to allow large sculptures and other constructions in and out of the studio. Cars can also be stored there during a hurricane. The studio will also have a fire-proof kiln room for firing ceramic pottery. The Master Suite will have many special features giving the couple a luxurious retreat within the home. The Master Bedroomwill feature three walls with a large continuous curtain wall window, forming a “U”. The head of the bed will be at the bottom of the “U”. While lying in bed, the view will not only be all around and behind you, but when looking up, one will discover that the ceiling is all glass from side to side and looking up to the sky through a full canopy of oak trees. The glass is Code-Approved impact resistant. The Dressing Room / Vanity will have a fifteen-foot long counter with two large lavatories with a spacious makeup vanity between them for the lady of the house. There will be an eight-foot wide fixed glass window overlooking a reflecting pond at sill level to enhance the transition from inner space to the expansive outdoors. Two concealed mirrors skillfully hidden behind the vanity cabinetry will slide out when necessary. There will also be a dramatic five-foot wide sloped glass ceiling running the full length of the vanity counter for extraordinary day time and night time lighting. The opposite side of the dressing room will have a fifteen foot custom designed closet, with full length mirrors on the doors. With the center door closed and the two side doors opened to a 45 degree angle, a perfect three sided dressing mirror is created. The Master Bath will have an attractive column shower adjacent to tile decks with two hand-held showers. The shower column stands in front of a south-facing window viewing a raised reflecting pond just below the window sill. One is literally surrounded by nature just outside. In addition to the cleansing column shower there is a unique and custom Re-Circulating Shower that will rejuvenate the senses using only 7 gallons of water for an hour long experience. Two walls of the Re-Circulating shower are floor to ceiling glass providing an “outdoor” experience. The Master Bath will also have a traditional Japanese style full-body soak tub, a bidet for her and an elegant sculptured waterless urinal for him.
The Roof Deck and Upper Roof Deck have been designed to allow residents and guests to experience the incredible views of the Live Oak canopy at the upper levels of the residence. The decks are accesible from the Mezzanine level just at the top of the grand glass main staircase. The decks are quite ample in space and proportion to allow many guests to enjoy the wonderful seasonal climates within the embrace of the Live Oaks.
The residence will be constructed of concrete, steel, and glass. No
traditional wood will be used in the construction of the house. Three
interior pocket
doors and all of the cabinets will be made of PlyBoo a type of "plywood" made of bamboo.. The roof and upper floors
will be short-span concrete slabs or concrete slabs on steel bar-joists for the
longer spans. This will make the house fire proof and termite proof and will
minimize damage to the roof if any of the many Live Oak trees should drop a large
branch during a storm or what is referred to locally as a "wind event". Speaking of storms and wind events, should a
storm of significant threat to life and limb occur, a central portion of the
residence has been designed as a " Hurricane Safe Room" completely
surrounded by thick concrete walls and ceiling. Two exits are provided in case
one gets obstructed. Contained within the Hurricane Safe Room room is a full bathroom, a small kitchenette and walk-in closet to
provide ample room for inhabitants. The entire house, including Hurricane Safe Room
and other areas of the home will be provided with emergency automatic generator power. Newly added to the whole project is the re-use of an Accessory Structure located to the northwest of the main house. This building will be used for outdoor functions like BBQ and also for storage of garden equipment. There is alot on the site to interest horticulturists, near and far.
Conservatory: a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants Owner’s Personal Statement
P.R.B.
Miami, FL October 2008 (updated 2012-02-17)
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