Surface Design Awards – Complete

• EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE YEAR - NEW
  This is a new category that recognises wall and surface design products including decorative, creative and inventive surfaces for the exterior of building including both commercial and residential properties.

This is a façade design in Miami's Design District, known for its extensive and masterfully crafted collection of facades. While the intervention on the 132 by 60 feet (40 meters by 18 meters) existing building had to take the powerful setting into account, it was designed to be modest rather than startling, keeping up with the brand's business strategy.
The 40 years old concrete and masonry building´s shell was kept intact when the façade intervention was done. The current structure is 14 feet tall, has five sizable windows, and two entrances with canopies.
The strategy required covering numerous functional components of the façade with a skin that made the original structure evident. The higher skin folds and has perforations to preserve the openings of the original structure behind the intervention.
Through a number of gaps, the facade handles the severe winds typical of South Florida. The mechanical attachment system has screws at every connection, including where it is attached to the original structure.
The building is made of steel with an aluminum framework and 42 distinct varieties of 3 mm thick, warm white painted, custom-folded aluminum panels. There are 238 folded panels overall, which are joined in a continuous line of folds, and these are all the same height. Each panel was created with the intention of being perfectly linked to the functional specifications of the already-existing building, which was left untouched.
The façade gets movement and dynamism due to its continuous sequence of folds at various rhythms, which reinforces the building's longitudinality. Deeper folds are highlighted in three distinct places, each of which may have a different purpose for the façade. The folds' unique form enables a depth play where lighting enhances the visual effect.
The panels are attached to cover the mechanical anchoring points of the system, as it was meant to work as a complete unit. All paneling is supported by metal tubes that are visible behind the system, giving the impression that it is modular. The numerous folds provide a subtle and understated order for the façade by acting as an affordable and sustainable design resource.
The Miami Design District was designed as a catalog of incredibly spectacular facades leading us to think about the approach, we should take to create a dialogue with the other facades while dealing with the challenge of having a very small budget.
We developed a modular system with an emphasis on individualized and environmentally friendly design using cost-effective materials. As a result, we created tall modules [4'-1 1/2"] easy to transport to the site in a container, easy to handle during installation, and finally, simple to handle. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly design strategy produced a tidy and understated aesthetic proposal.
Each piece's creation was meticulously planned to reduce material waste and to be assembled ensuring simple handling and assembly. Also, to make maritime transportation simpler, the dimensions were examined.

The façade design in Miami's Design District exemplifies a thoughtful and innovative approach to surface design, using materials strategically chosen to harmonize with the existing structure while providing a subtle and captivating aesthetic. Central to the design is the use of 42 different varieties of 3mm thick, warm white painted, custom folded aluminum panels. These panels, 238 in total, have been carefully designed to match the functional specifications of the original building. The aluminum frame provides durability and a smooth finish, enhancing the modern appeal of the façade. The design incorporates perforations and a continuous series of folds in the aluminum panels. preserving the openings of the original structure, adding movement and dynamism to the façade, and managing the winds of Florida. The folds create a visual effect of depth, which is accentuated by strategic lighting.
To achieve our intentions, we designed a modular system that emphasized customization and environmentally friendly design. This approach facilitated easy transport, handling and installation of the panels. The systematic arrangement of the folded panels created a sense of order and aesthetic appeal.
The strategic selection and innovative use of these materials transformed a 40-year-old building into a modern, visually striking structure that blends seamlessly into Miami's Design District. The façade's understated yet impactful design, using cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials, is worthy of consideration for a Surface Design Award.

The project's sustainability was very important in the approach and design choices.
To retain the 40-year-old concrete and masonry building's shell was a sustainable decision. By reusing the existing structure, the project minimizes the carbon footprint associated with new construction and reduces the environmental impact. Also, the emphasis on a modular system and efficient material usage underscores a sustainable criterion. By creating tall, easy-to-transport modules and carefully planning each piece's creation to minimize material waste, the project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. Using aluminum and steel in the facade design was a conscious choice of materials. Aluminum is lightweight and recyclable, while steel is a highly recyclable material. Simplifying handling and assembly not only reduces construction time but also minimizes energy consumption during the building process.
And lastly, the design's consideration of South Florida's severe winds demonstrates a focus on durability and longevity. Creating a facade that can withstand the region's climate is a sustainability measure, ensuring the building remains functional and efficient over time.
In summary, the project's sustainability credentials are evident through its focus on preserving existing structures, utilizing recyclable materials, efficient material usage, and environmentally friendly design principles. These aspects collectively contribute to a sustainable and environmentally conscious facade design in the Miami Design District.

.

In Miami's Design District, a façade design subtly weaves into the vibrant architectural tapestry, respecting the neighborhood’s character while embracing the brand's look. The transformation retains the original concrete structure and uses a steel and aluminum frame adorned with 238 custom-folded, warm white painted aluminum panels. The folds and perforations not only preserve the building's originality, but also manage the strong South Florida winds. A meticulous modular system emphasizes environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness, promoting efficient use of materials and simplified assembly. Each element reflects a sustainable, understated aesthetic that blends beautifully with the neighborhood’s grand facades, all within budget.