< p>This article examines Una Residences, a 47-storey luxury tower in Miami’s South Brickell designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG).
It explores how the firm adapts its high‑performance, streamlined design language for a waterfront residential project.
The tower features a yacht-inspired silhouette, expansive balconies, and bold cantilevered volumes.
The article also highlights the tower’s structural strategy, interior layout, urban context, and its significance for coastal development in the region. < /p>
Design Language and Context
Located on the channel waterfront near the Rickenbacker Causeway, Una Residences introduces a new waterfront style for Miami.
It stands apart from the surrounding 1970s and 1980s towers.
The design emphasizes unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Key Biscayne, and Downtown Miami.
The streamlined form and material choices address solar gain and wind loads.
AS+GG’s approach turns a luxury residential brief into a ship‑inspired silhouette.
This marks a fresh take on the Brickell waterfront.
The building presents different features from multiple angles.
A pronounced base reveals large structural columns and a double-height second‑storey terrace.
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Above, the podium contains amenity spaces and is topped by a dramatic cantilevered volume.
Metal‑clad slabs extend beyond the curtain wall, forming expansive wraparound balconies.
These elements reinforce the yacht‑inspired character and create a strong connection with the channel setting.
Architectural Form and Structural Strategy
AS+GG shapes the tower’s geometry to balance luxury and performance.
Below are the main architectural moves that define Una Residences:
- Sweeping curved form to maximize views across the Atlantic, Key Biscayne, and Downtown Miami
- A robust base with visible, large columns supporting a double-height terrace
- A podium for amenities, topped by a cantilevered volume over public space
- Wraparound balconies formed by metal-clad slabs projecting beyond the curtain wall
- At the 15th storey, the footprint widens into interlocking oval plans, then narrows toward a wave‑like bulkhead
Residential Program and Public Interiors
AS+GG designed all public interiors, amenity zones, and the 129 residences.
This creates a cohesive experience from shared spaces to private homes.
The unit mix includes two‑ to five‑bedroom layouts.
Public and private areas are arranged to maximize natural light and cross‑ventilation.
Penthouse residences offer dual private pools, rooftop entertaining spaces, and spa‑level amenities.
These features aim to deliver a rare waterfront living option in Miami’s luxury market.
Urban Context and Waterfront Strategy
AS+GG sets Una apart from nearby Brickell towers by giving it a sculptural, seaworthy profile.
The design aims to reinvent the South Brickell shoreline.
It responds to coastal realities and meets growing demand for waterfront luxury.
This approach considers sustainable growth and coastal resilience.
It also explores how luxury architecture can coexist with Florida’s sensitive ground conditions.
Developers, Documentation and Market Context
Photography and project documentation were provided by OKO Group and Cain.
Their collaboration with the architects highlights the teamwork behind this flagship project.
This reflects a trend of high-profile architects shaping Miami’s skyline.
It also draws attention to site‑specific challenges, including ground stability and coastal risks.
Coastal Development and Resilience Considerations
South Florida’s coastline presents engineering and environmental challenges.
Una Residences addresses these with a high‑performance envelope and wind‑engineering solutions.
Form-driven strategies help mitigate climate risks while providing luxury living spaces and water views.
The project shows how modern architecture can balance design ambitions with coastal urban realities.
Conclusion: A Landmark in a Shifting Cityscape
As Miami evolves, Una Residences embodies a new wave of waterfront architecture. It blends sculptural expression with practical performance.
The tower’s yacht‑inspired massing and prominent podium create a distinctive addition to Brickell’s skyline. The design integrates both public and private spaces.
Here is the source article for this story: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill adds “yacht-inspired” skyscraper to Miami waterfront
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