THE GRASS BOX RESTAURANT

Practice: Brillhart Architecture

Type: Residential / Hospitality

Location: Everglades, FL

Status: Pending

While Miami is centrally located between two national parks – the Florida Everglades and Biscayne Bay, few destinations exist that lend visitors the opportunity to experience these landscapes in full. This luxury restaurant is set within the wild, subtropical landscape of the Everglades, hovering above the wildlife. Its openings frame expansive, spectacular views, while patrons enjoying the overlook become a seamless part of nature. 

The project explores the relationship of building and landscape, addressing climate issues by drawing upon low and high-tech building strategies. The building is designed with raised floors, tall ceilings, passing cooling systems and cross ventilation, with fully operable windows and hurricane shutters. Solar panels on the roof supply enough energy for nighttime activities.

To enhance the sense of space, retractable translucent veils descend from the ceiling to easily divide the large dining space into more intimate experiences. This mechanized operable design approach is also deployed in the widow wall shutter system. Also included is a large oval shaped open bar which anchors the space.