URBAN OASIS

URBAN OASIS

Urban Oasis represents a revolutionary approach to metropolitan living, where the solidity of stone and the transparency of glass create a private sanctuary amidst the urban density. This striking waterfront residence features a sophisticated interplay between textured granite planes and floor-to-ceiling glazing, establishing a dialogue between architectural permanence and the ephemeral reflections of water and city lights. The structure's horizontal composition creates dramatic floating terraces that extend living spaces outward, offering an extraordinary experience where natural elements and urban energy converge in perfect equilibrium.

Summary

Our strategy focused on creating an urban sanctuary that provides both connection to and escape from the surrounding cityscape. We deliberately employed robust granite as the primary material to create a sense of permanence and privacy in contrast to the surrounding glass towers, while using extensive glazing to maintain panoramic views and visual lightness. The horizontal emphasis of the stacked volumes was designed to counterbalance the verticality of the urban context, creating a distinctive architectural presence that stands apart from conventional high-rise living. Water elements were integrated as essential architectural features rather than mere amenities, with reflecting pools and water terraces blurring boundaries between structure and landscape. By incorporating lush planted areas at multiple levels, we created a vertical oasis that brings nature into the urban dwelling experience. This approach aimed to deliver a residence that offers the sophistication and views of penthouse living combined with the groundedness and connection to nature typically only found in suburban settings.

Process

The development began with extensive site analysis to understand the unique conditions of the waterfront location and surrounding urban fabric. Advanced computer modeling helped us study how the granite planes could appear to float while maintaining structural integrity, with specialized engineering solutions developed for the dramatic cantilevers. Each stone panel was individually selected for its particular character and precisely arranged to create a cohesive material expression while avoiding monotony. The glazing system required innovative solutions to achieve the exceptionally large, frameless corners essential to the design's transparency, with specialized hardware developed for the oversized sliding doors that open to the terraces. Interior material selections focused on creating a seamless flow between inside and outside, with warm wood ceilings providing an elegant counterpoint to the cool stone surfaces. The landscape design was developed in close collaboration with horticulturalists to identify species that would thrive in the specific microclimate conditions of each terrace and rooftop garden area, creating verdant spaces that soften the architectural geometry.

Results

The completed residence stands as a masterful integration of robust materiality and transparent lightness, creating an extraordinary living experience that balances urban connectivity with private retreat. The textured granite planes appear to float above the water, creating a powerful contrast with the surrounding glass towers while providing a sense of groundedness and permanence. The floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior, allowing panoramic views of the city skyline while flooding living spaces with natural light that shifts throughout the day. The series of reflecting pools and water terraces create a mesmerizing play of reflections that animate the architectural composition with movement and light. Interior spaces benefit from the open floor plan and exceptional ceiling heights, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated luxury enhanced by the material palette of stone, wood, and glass. The project has received international acclaim for its innovative approach to urban living, with architectural critics praising its ability to create a sense of sanctuary without disconnecting from the energy of city life.