Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Winter 2015 - 18

DESIGN AWARD
CATEGORY: INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL
PROJECT: AVENTURA OPTIMA PLAZA
LOCATION: AVENTURA, FL

TEAM MEMBERS

AVENTURA OPTIMA PLAZA DESIGN

Landscape Architect: Barry Miller, Savino & Miller Design Studio, PA
Architect: Javier Font, Behar Font & Partners
Landscape Contractor: Nick Falcone, All Green Landscaping
Green Roof Soil and Waterproofing: Rick Clark, Hydrotech
Irrigation Engineer: Connie Cummings, Cummings Irrigation
LEED Consultant: Rob Hink, Spinnaker Group
Project Design - Client: Ariel Bromber, Inmobiliaria Brom
Wood Supplier and Installer: Miles Black, Miles of Wood
"We designed the green roof as a natural
garden setting, to enjoy, to exercise, and as a
getaway from the office routine. In addition
to the numerous environmental benefits
associated with green roofs, we believe the
simple act of getting up higher fulfills a
fundamental desire. In South Florida, which
is basically flat, we can imagine rooftops as
our urban treetops, our watchtowers; all the
more reason to include them in our basic
building paradigm."

AVENTURA OPTIMA PLAZA AT DUSK

Barry Miller,
Savino & Miller Design Studio

GREEN SPACE IN THE BALANCE
T

he green roof at the Aventura Optima Plaza professional building was conceived to balance the loss of green space caused by
the building's construction, by essentially raising the landscape
above the building, mitigating urban heat island effect.
It is unique in that it not only provides stormwater management
benefits, but also invites office employees to use the space. The
green roof's garden provides a tranquil space for relaxation and an
opportunity to jog the running track at the green roof's perimeter.
The rolling walls, designed in a bell wave pattern, offer a constantly
changing perspective of the garden. Reclaimed Greenheart Wood
is utilized for the crosswalks, which bisect the green roof gardens at
regular intervals, connecting back to the running track.
In order to reduce water use, the landscape was designed with
native and drought-tolerant plants, entirely eliminating the use
LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR / WINTER 2015 / 18

of sod/turf grass. In addition, the planting soil is a sand mixture
with a higher water retention capability. A rain water collecting/
harvesting cistern and system was installed in order to supply all
irrigation requirements, totally eliminating the use of potable
water.
The planting palette was selected by the ability to withstand
harsh conditions such as wind and at the same time attract local
fauna.The Sabal Palm and Thatch Palms are Florida Natives that
are very adaptable to different soil conditions and windy sites.
Additionally, their fruits, flowers and crown collect moisture and
attract wildlife such as birds and insects. Muhly grass complements
the use of the palms in the same fashion. Perennial peanut is evergreen in frost-free areas of the state. It is drought, nematodes, and
pathogens resistant.
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Winter 2015