Water Element
Identity|September 2018

Mark Bullivant, Director at South Africa-based SAOTA, guides us through his creative process for Pine Tree, the firm’s first Miami residence.

Joanne Molina
Water Element

Designed to highlight the fluid boundaries between its natural surroundings and stunning contemporary interior, Pine Tree is not merely a home – it’s a lifestyle.

“SAOTA’s design DNA is derived from the South African way of living, which places an emphasis on the outdoors, as people live both in and through their homes – to create great liveable spaces, both indoor and outdoor. This relies on rooms having good aspect and natural light, while at the same time protection from the elements. This particular property is very long; and to bring in the natural light we sculpted courtyards into the layout, effectively elongating the building envelope,” says Mark Bullivant, Director at South Africa-based SAOTA.

Set between the Indian Creek Canal and Pine Tree Drive in Miami’s historic Collin’s Waterfront district, the 3575-square metre site area embraces the ethos that often comes through living by the water.

“For us to be working in such an iconic environment and city like Miami still feels surreal; for the buildings to have such immediacy with the water is unique. The landscape locates the project, as the tropics produce phenomenal gardens, and working with Raymond Jungles was brilliant; his local knowledge was invaluable and contributed greatly to the project,” he says.

Bullivant led the project to create the six-bedroom home with his signature humility and reputation for clear thinking. “To be a good architect you need good stamina. Projects and buildings take a long time to come to fruition and there is a lot of time for curve balls to be thrown at you; approach each one like a design challenge, turn a problem into a design improvement,” says the architect.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2018 من Identity.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2018 من Identity.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من IDENTITY مشاهدة الكل
Breaking the mould
Identity

Breaking the mould

A collision of forces has given birth to a new project called The Great Design Disaster. Led by a passionate duo – interior architect Gregory Gatserelia and design enthusiast Joy Herro – its aim is nothing short of shaking up the traditional boundaries of the contemporary design market. identity catches up with Herro to learn more.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
A taste for luxury
Identity

A taste for luxury

Häcker Kitchens is on a mission to 'disrupt the kitchen industry' in the Middle East

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
An Italian affair
Identity

An Italian affair

An exclusive collection by online retail platform Artemest has been curated by Dubai-based interior designer and founder of Styled Habitat, Rabah Saeid, and combines Italian handcrafted pieces inspired by cosy nights in.

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
At the nexus of design and function
Identity

At the nexus of design and function

Casamia is home to truly contemporary kitchens for lovers of elegance and understated style

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
DESIGN FOCUS: A FEAST FOR THE EYES
Identity

DESIGN FOCUS: A FEAST FOR THE EYES

As a place for everything from cooking and eating to entertaining and gathering with family and friends, the kitchen is the heart of any home. It can be a space that invites creativity as well, not only with food but also with design. Contemporary or traditional, urban-inspired or with a countryside feel, adorned with neutral colours or noble materials, bespoke or modular: there are many options to reflect your own style.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
Contemporary heritage
Identity

Contemporary heritage

Launched just a few months ago, new brand and gallery Don Tanani revives the past with a contemporary eye, through objects that are at the crossroads of design and art

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Distant voices
Identity

Distant voices

The voices of 4000 Lebanese citizens have travelled to the Venice Architecture Biennale as part of Beirut-based architecture and design duo T SAKHI’s installation, ‘Letters from Beirut’. With the hope of fostering dialogue and honouring the Lebanese community, the installation shares narratives in the wake of the city’s ongoing reconstruction following the explosion in Beirut on 4 August last year.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
An urban legacy
Identity

An urban legacy

A new book chronicling Sharjah’s modern urban landscape offers a wide-ranging view of the UAE’s third-largest city

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
WEEKEND LIFESTYLE
Identity

WEEKEND LIFESTYLE

This Sydney home achieves harmony through the perfect balance of proportions, materials and colours

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2021
A labour of love
Identity

A labour of love

The House of Today platform has supported emerging design talent and students in Lebanon for nearly a decade. Today, in the face of ongoing challenges, their efforts remain as solid as ever.

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2021