Aqua Gulf Resort

The challenge: Design a product that would afford our client the highest and best use for an unusually long, thin ocean front site.

The solution: Aqua Gulf Resort, a luxury high-rise resort condominium that takes advantage of the challenges offered by an extremely restrictive site. Parking was accommodated by developing a parking garage on the opposite side of a very busy and somewhat dangerous highway. A safe and secure connection was accomplished with a 1,660 SF, 200 ft long bridge over the busy highway.

Due to the unusually narrow configuration of the property, an additional challenge was a lack of exterior beachfront space for an appropriate pool and deck. However, we turned this perceived liability into one of Aqua’s strongest assets and integrated portions of the pool environment in the design of the building. Embracing water as the unifying thematic element, a series of fountains, pools, and runnels flow from the entrance of the building, though the lobby connecting to the outdoor pool.

The incorporation of additional sheer walls to ensure the stability of this exceptionally narrow structure was an added priority. Strong focus was placed on the use of native materials that are salt tolerant, such as the natural split-face quarried limestone that clads and grounds the base of the building.

Another very unique and notable feature is the use of ornamental metal trellis elements. Mounted on the rooftop of this high-rise, these artful trellis elements provide dynamic light play on the face of the building. They capture the natural movement of the sunlight and reflections off the ocean, thus creating a connection of the structure with sea and sky.