Kobi Karp Architecture Interior Design Planning has brought new life to the historic Surf Club, which boasts old Miami glamour, in Surfside, Fla. Under owner Nadim Ashi, the Surf Club, originally designed by Russell Pancoast in 1929 in the highly ornate Mediterranean Revival style, has been converted into a hotel and private residences.
The old and new harmonizes, with the historical building framed by newly constructed glass towers. A new 77-room hotel tower floats over the historical courtyard in the center, creating a four-story indoor glass atrium. The former Surf Club serves as the hotel lobby, lounge, library, bar, restaurant, ballroom, and other public spaces. The club area and cantilevered hotel are centerpieces between two 12-story luxury glass condo towers.
The 1,252,000-square-foot Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at the Surf Club also includes 151 residential units, four pools, 42 cabanas, and three restaurants.
“The overall design is a juxtaposition of historic South Florida and modern Miami lifestyle,” states the architect. “The two blend harmoniously in its interior as well as the exterior spaces. The restoration of the existing courtyard, restaurants, bars, and lounge areas allows residents to enjoy a vacation lifestyle and hotel amenities in their property while hotel guests interact with locals in their hotel destination, with an exceptional turquoise view of the Atlantic Ocean for all occupants.”
However, incorporating the old was a challenge, with the original structure not able to support additional loads. DeSimone Consulting Engineers assisted by designing post-tensioned elements to resolve the structural issues. Excavations under the original structure were also needed to incorporate basement parking that spans the entire 900 feet of the site to allow for subterranean access between the three separate glass tours and the historic building.
