ODA, a New York-based architecture and design studio, recently released renderings of Ombelle, a project including two residential towers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dependable Equities hired ODA to design the architecture, interiors, and landscaping for the mixed-use development. Project plans were submitted to the city in May, beginning the approval process.
With more than 1.5 million square feet, Ombelle will include 1,100 rental units. The tapering forms of the two 43-story towers step away from each other as they rise, giving the units views of downtown Fort Lauderdale and the ocean. The facade comprises “a delicate exoskeleton,” according to a statement from ODA. Its outer shell features terraces and balconies that vary in depth, length, and density, which is meant to provide each unit a sense of individual identity.
“We are looking to establish a high-end, condo-like experience for renters,” Isaac Schlesinger, head of Dependable Equities, said in the statement.
The amenity package includes two pools: one with landscaping and a nearby work lounge, the other a larger infinity pool on the building’s edge. Amenities also include an outdoor bar area and chef’s kitchen, garden, gym, game room, library, private dining room, spin room, spa, dance studio, and yoga studio.
An urban plaza sits at the base of the building, connecting to a double-height colonnade around the perimeter. Also on its ground floor, Ombelle has over 11,000 square feet of commercial space for retail and restaurants.
“We are thrilled to be part of Fort Lauderdale’s transformation into a robust, forward-thinking city and international destination,” Eran Chen, founder and executive director, ODA, said in the statement. “From the beautifully landscaped public plaza that carves into the corner of the site, to the staggered outdoor balconies that create unique sky gardens for each apartment, Ombelle celebrates this exciting new chapter of design in the city.”
Building Team:
Owner and/or developer: Dependable Equities
Design architect: ODA
Architect of record: ODA
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Construction employment shrinks in 325 of nation’s 337 largest metro areas
All but 12 communities nationwide saw declines in construction employment between September 2008 and 2009 according to a new analysis of metropolitan area employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. That analysis found more construction jobs were lost in Phoenix (35,100) than in any other city in America.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index flat in May, according to AIA
After a slight decline in April, the Architecture Billings Index was up a tenth of a point to 42.9 in May. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Free-span solar energy system installed at REM Eyewear headquarters
The first cable-suspended free-span solar energy system was completed today over the REM Eyewear headquarters parking lot in Sun Valley, Calif. The patented, cable-supported photovoltaic system created by P4P Energy is expected to generate 40,877 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity per year, enough to power five to six single family homes and to prevent 1.5 million pounds of carbon from being released into the atmosphere.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index drops to lowest level since June
Another stall in the recovery for the construction industry as the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped to its lowest level since June. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI rating was 41.7, down slightly from 43.1 in July. This score indicates a decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
| Aug 11, 2010
Construction employment declined in 333 of 352 metro areas in June
Construction employment declined in all but 19 communities nationwide this June as compared to June-2008, according to a new analysis of metropolitan-area employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The analysis shows that few places in America have been spared the widespread downturn in construction employment over the past year.
| Aug 11, 2010
RTKL names Lance Josal president and CEO
Lance K. Josal FAIA has been named President and CEO of RTKL Associates Inc., the international planning, design and engineering firm. Josal succeeds RTKL’s current President and CEO, David C. Hudson AIA, who is retiring from the firm. The changes will take effect on 1 September 2009.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, Hensel Phelps among the nation's 50 largest design-build contractors
A ranking of the Top 50 Design-Build Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Balfour Beatty agrees to acquire Parsons Brinckerhoff for $626 million
Balfour Beatty, the international engineering, construction, investment and services group, has agreed to acquire Parsons Brinckerhoff for $626 million. Balfour Beatty executives believe the merger will be a major step forward in accomplishing a number of Balfour Beatty’s objectives, including establishing a global professional services business of scale, creating a leading position in U.S. civil infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector, and enhancing its global reach.
