Project Name: 1 Hotel South Beach
Location: Miami Beach
Date: 2016
Submitted By: Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design
Architect: Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design
Interior Designers: Meyer Davis
Hotel Group: 1 Hotel
Construction Company: laza Construction Group

Situated on 600 feet of pristine beachfront, 1 Hotel South Beach celebrates nature with graceful twists of driftwood furnishings and an abundance of natural materials. As a luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, this is a culmination of the best in eco-conscious design and sustainable architecture. The hotel features seven on-property food and beverage outlets, varying from farm-to-table cuisine to Japanese-inspired tropical dishes. The design transports the warmth and sophistication of Crafted Hospitality restaurants to an airy coastal setting. The guests are greeted by a lush green wall leading to the entrance of the two-level restaurant. The ground floor features the 85-seat dining room, outfitted with natural materials, such as wood and stone, bronze lighting, caramel leather banquettes, an expansive, concrete-topped bar with seating for 22, and an outdoor patio.

An open kitchen in the rear of the restaurant invites guests to experience the action while enjoying their meal, while an adjacent private dining room on the main floor provides an ideal setting for intimate dinners and celebrations. Above the main dining room, a mezzanine level is outfitted with a private bar and lounge with views of the dining room below, and outdoor seating overlooks the iconic Collins Avenue. The property’s design is marked by the incorporation of a myriad of natural textures and reclaimed woods, including mushroom wood, Javanese teak root, driftwood, white oak, bleached walnut, beetle kill pine and Spalted maple. Modern organic design, indigenous flora and sensual textures seek to connect people and the place.

A favourite aspect of the Kobi Karp and Meyer Davis Design team was said to be nature inspired space, adhering to the brand’s standards for less consumption and more conservation, materials for construction and furnishings which are regional, reclaimed, or re-purposed. This includes using the Colorado beetle kill pine, which can be used to create headboards. Ipewood from the property’s original boardwalk was used as planters, reclaimed driftwood for the guestroom door handles, and using 7,500 pounds of local Florida coral stone for the property’s signature ‘1’ monument.

Additionally, Miami-based design firm Plant the Future has created green “moments” that act as living art exhibits. Living green walls on the hotel’s façade and main lobby greet guests as they arrive. A variety of local flora and fauna provide lush landscaping throughout the property – including a grotto garden in the lobby – while sweeping ocean views are framed by modern organic design. 1 Hotel upholds this vision by channelling nature through design, culinary partnerships, connecting with the local community and taking small steps toward make a big difference. Sustainability and eco-conscious design are the future of hospitality. 1 Hotel is a leading example that “green” design can be done with splendour and luxury.