Project 7
MIAMI DUPLEX FOR SMASH
Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing Incorporated (SMASH) successfully acquired this property at an attractive price due to previous code violations. Through negotiations led by Executive Director Adrian Madriz, SMASH facilitated the removal of violations, securing the property at a favorable rate.
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As a respected residential architect in Miami and a member of the board of directors, I was approached to collaborate on designing a duplex for this site.
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The lot, zoned RU-2, allowed for up to 1,387 square feet of construction on its 4,626 square foot area. Our design utilized 1,374 square feet, along with a rear storage shed.
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The client's specifications included a spacious open-plan living/dining/kitchen area and a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom with handicap accessibility. Additionally, they requested ground-floor storage, which we incorporated beneath the stairs and in the rear shed.
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The second floor accommodates two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, accessible from both bedrooms. Responding to the client's request, we positioned a laundry room with extra storage on this level for convenience.
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In line with sustainable practices, the roof will feature a flat concrete slab with insulation, eventually supporting solar panels to reduce utility costs for both units.
CHARETTE FLYER
SITE PLAN BELOW
VIEW FROM RIGHT SIDE
ELEVATIONS AND SECTION
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Our approach commenced with three charettes, community meetings allowing for collective input and brainstorming.
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During the initial charette, community priorities and project parameters were established. Decisions regarding the number of stories, unit arrangement, bedroom and bathroom configurations, and the importance of accessibility were made collaboratively.
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At the second charette, I presented floor plans, elevations, and renderings based on the community's input, which were subsequently shared for feedback.
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During the final charette, I presented refined preliminary plans, which were subject to community vote and received unanimous approval.
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Currently, we are in the process of seeking approval from the RER board and negotiating for funding to build the structure.
RENDERINGS
EMAIL OR CALL
If you would like your house designed, call Maria Luisa Castellanos, the principal of the firm, on her cell at 305-439-7898, or email at MLC@UnitedArchs.com