A Miami real estate developer-turned-resident of his own project mixes design styles and capitalizes on up-close ocean views.
When renowned Miami real estate developer Gil Dezer decided to take up residence at one of his own luxury projects, the Trump Grande Ocean Resort and Residences, he turned to Michael Wolk to design his three-story condominium.
Located one floor up from the beach and with massive windows featuring the magnificent views, it feels, according to Miami-based Wolk, much like you’re at the bow of a ship. “You don’t need to do anything to distract,” he says.
The design plan for the five-bedroom, eight-bath home is one where simplicity and serenity reign, but where a few architectural surprises surface as well. “We took three floors at the end of the building, turning two condominiums into one,” Wolk explains, adding that Dezer enters his home through a ground-level garage. A private beach cabana is steps away. The first and second floors of the space are open, separated by a spectacular glass bridge that leads the way to the master bedroom suite.
“The glass bridge was inspired by the first Matrix movie, and that image was the narrative driving the image [of] his bedroom,” Wolk says. “And yes, sometimes people hesitate a little before walking forward!” The bridge is accessible by stairs or a glass-enclosed elevator in the living room. Other public rooms at this level include the kitchen and dining room. A balcony and private swimming pool are also on the second level.
During the initial planning, the design concept was to create a bachelor pad, but over the course of the project, Dezer married and then became a father. “The assignment changed and the program changed. It evolved into something that was more appropriate for a family,” Wolk says.
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Furnishings are an elegant, interesting stew of Art Deco, antiques, traditional, and contemporary, as well as some of Wolk’s own furniture creations—the eight dining room chairs at the glass table are his designs. The color palette is earthy, with warm tones in fabric, rugs, and walls, so the views remain the star, Wolk says. Natural woods include rosewood and Brazilian cherry. There are few walls within the space to keep it open to the sea views, so furniture placement and/or height is used to delineate rooms, like the high wood-backed couch in the living room.
All in all, for Dezer, who owns 27 acres of prime oceanfront land in Miami, this is a peaceful respite from what is certainly a frenetic life.