How do we create a new type of housing for Miami that is affordable, generous & resilient to sea level rise?
Our housing proposal is inspired by Mangroves – their ability to attenuate storm surges, sustain through rhizomatic root structures, capture the sun’s energy, harvest rainwater and provide shade for diverse life.
The affordable housing is organized in a meandering field that allows tidal flows and buffers storm surges. Root-like piers brace against winds & currents. 31 floating multifamily houses of 5 types create individuation. 88 one-bedroom, 66 two-bedroom and 55 three-bedroom apartments, each with multiple exposures, offer diversity. All houses have boat docks, roof gardens and grey water recycling.
6 Green Islands offer playgrounds and swimming pools, with reverse osmosis desalination systems below. Photovoltaic canopies flutter over the housing, collect rainwater and give shade. The housing is a prototype deployed along the coast to buffer mainland communities from storm surges and house displaced residents.
An elevated pedestrian/cycling network links all units and doubles as utility circuit. It connects to Little Haiti & Little River and bridges Legion Park to Picnic Island. Community buildings provide grocery store, fitness center and cultural spaces.
PROJECT CREDITS
O’Neill McVoy Architects
Beth O’Neill, Chris McVoy, Ruso Margishvili, Irmak Ciftci