Resort Pyramid  |  Boca Raton, FL

Inspired by the rich legacy of Mesoamerican civic buildings, our `pyramid' harkens to those ancient tropical architectural mega-forms. The building provides all units with extensive, private patios while retaining privacy. Central circulation and mechanical towers link all units to common facilities, including a rooftop restaurant and gymnasium. A predominance of through-building units allows for positive air circulation through the incorporation of prevailing breezes. The pyramidal footprint of the structure assists with lateral wind loading.

The structure entails cutting edge approaches to vertical transportation and climate control. Central elevator cores provide motorized circulation to all communal facilities and dwelling units. Exterior stairs connect the surrounding gardens, tennis courts and golf course with all units via their patios. Extensive studies were performed with our mechanical engineer to lower cooling loads through the systematic employment of building system strategies. Relationships to seasonal sun angles and prevailing wind directions and velocities work to optimize heating and cooling loads. Angle relationships to sun azimuth, roof overhangs and brise soleis work to minimize solar heat gain. All dwelling unit's have two directional exterior exposures to facilitate positive air flow and natural cooling via night air exchange. By using the stack effect in the ventilation cores at the central towers, fan loads are reduced.

Program Includes:

• Resort Hotel and Condominiums
• Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge
• Rooftop Gym
• Rooftop Heliport
• 400+ Units: 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom