South Beach, Florida, USA
Ateliers Jean Nouvel (AJN) is now completing the firm’s first commission in the United State— Monad Terrace for New York developers JDS Development Group.
Composed of 59 individually-designed waterfront residences including four penthouses, Monad Terrace provides double or triple exposures and expansive private outdoor space.
Residences are sheltered by climbing gardens that feature native Bougainvillea and Passion Vines, and shaded by high-tech screens embedded in the façade to precisely calibrate shade and privacy.
The design artfully directs the play of daylight and water throughout the project. Individual reflecting pools bounce dappled light deep into each living space, while the signature water garden—the central lagoon, reflection pools, and adjacent swimming pool create a sense of continuity with Biscayne Bay.
Light and water, glass and steel, gardens and façades all combine into what Nouvel has dubbed “the reflection machine.”
The project applies a practical awareness of our changing climate to the project—seamlessly engineering environmental responsibility and innovative climate resilience features into the building’s architecture.
By elevating the building 11.5 feet, Monad Terrace is the first structure in Miami Beach to be constructed above West Avenue’s new height.
This significantly higher grade puts all interior spaces and the garage entrance well above the flood plain, while eliminating the need to dig down to the water table—a thoroughly practical solution to one of Miami’s most pervasive construction challenges.
All mechanicals serving the building are located well above the flood plain and energy-efficient appliances in the residences cut back on consumption without compromising luxury and convenience.
Additionally, the bespoke engineered ”honeycomb” screen system built into Monad Terrace’s glass façade serves to not only provide unobstructed views, privacy, and natural light, it is designed to significantly reduce glare and solar heat gain—saving energy and money for residents, while reducing the carbon footprint of operating the building.
Monad’s vertical gardens also provide energy-saving shade and contribute to healthier urban living by improving air quality, breaking up the profile and reflection of the building, and reducing the urban heat island (UHI) effect of our concrete cities and increased urban density.
“Monad Terrace innovates while integrating seamlessly into the context of Miami Beach,” said Michael Stern, Founder of JDS Development.
“Its thoughtful design serves as an exemplar for how we should be building and developing coastal cities. Without compromising aesthetics, this project brings the ingenuity and design that is entirely appropriate to this environment. “
“This is an important project for Miami Beach, and I am proud that JDS is leading the way.”
All architectural design, landscape design, interior design, and finishes are the work of Ateliers Jean Nouvel in collaboration with Kobi Karp. Residences offer generous indoor and outdoor living space.”
“With Monad Terrace, JDS Development Group set out to prove that raising standards to address the climate realities of coastal cities can yield better, beautiful, and more livable spaces,” said Simon Koster, Principal of JDS Development.
“JDS took these steps because it is good practice, better construction, and owners are savvy enough to appreciate resilient design.”
Jean Nouvel’s Nomad Terrace in Miami
Architects: Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Interior Architects: Kobi Karp
Developers: JDS Development Group
