Rising above the sun-drenched skyline of Miami's Design District, COR aspires to green heights for renewable energy use, water conservation, and indoor air quality. In fact, when the 400-foot tower is completed, it will be the city's first sustainable, mixed-use condominium project, says architect Chad Oppenheim, AIA.
“One of the most remarkable things about this building is the integration of structure, ecology, and architecture in one,” he says, referring to the building's concrete-and-stucco exoskeleton, which provides thermal mass for insulation, shading for natural cooling, enclosure for terraces, and armatures for wind turbines. “The skin is also the structure, which will result in limited columns in the living spaces,” he adds.
The building's wind turbines are designed to generate 30 percent of its energy and to power lighting for the common areas and garage; solar units on the roof will provide domestic hot water. High-performance glazing will reduce solar heat gain, and rain-water collection and gray water reuse will minimize public water consumption.
The 113 residential flats and duplexes also will employ low-toxicity paints, dual-flush toilets, energy-efficient lighting, and low-flow water fixtures, among other eco-sensitive features. The estimated completion date is 2010.
project: COR, Miami
key green strategies: Wind energy, solar hot water, green roofs, solar shading, water-catchment system, gray water collection and reuse, high-performance glazing, low-flow fixtures, Energy Star appliances, low-VOC paints and carpets, dual-flush toilets, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood
architect: Oppenheim Architecture+Design, Miami
developer: Nexus Development Group, Miami
general contractor: To be determined (TBD)
structural engineer: Ysrael A. Seinuk, P.C. (YAS), New York City
project size: 930 square feet per unit
site size: 0.48 acre
construction cost: TBD
sales price: TBD
units in project: 113
renderings: Courtesy Oppenheim Architecture+Design
