Water Element

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

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.