Designed by renowned Kobi Karp Architecture, this 13,699 sq. ft. fully automated “Smart house” sits on the Intracoastal in Ft. Lauderdale. A superior level of quality and finishes were required for the entire project, including many challenging aspects. This project received an Eagle Award from the Associated Builder’s and Contractors.
The first floor features a living room with built-ins and a 900-gallon saltwater aquarium, stainless steel chef’s catering kitchen, show kitchen, playroom, staff area (entrance, bedroom, bathroom, staff laundry), and a three-car garage.
The second floor includes a primary suite, children’s and guest bedrooms, library with concealed office, laundry, gym, and sauna.
The third floor houses a TV lounge with wet bar, full bathroom, rooftop living area with outdoor kitchen and an operable trellis.
A three-story free-form, hand-sculpted custom plaster staircase is a focal point of the residence, although an elevator is also available.
Exterior elements include a new seawall and dock. The pool features a dry, sunken seating area, spa, and an infinity edge. The patio area encompasses an outdoor kitchen, fire pits and stone flooring and exterior cladding using hand-cut stone from Italy. There is playground equipment with a playhouse and extensive landscaping.
Glass fencing is utilized on all second and third floor outside areas. A full property fence alternates horizontal metal slats and includes two operational driveway gates and one pedestrian gate.
Big Dog received an Eagle Award from the Associated Builders & Contractors for this project.
Big Dog’s Scope Included:
- Shell: Drove 200 piles into the ground for the foundation. Many complex steel connections were required to support free-standing beams, balconies, and cantilevers.
- Sea wall: New sea wall and dock. All work was done from barges.
- Staircase: Three-story free-form, hand-sculpted custom plaster staircase.
- Aquarium: 900-gallon saltwater aquarium. Piping for equipment run to the outside of the house.
- Doors: Frameless doors throughout interior. Custom-clad ballistic-proof pivot front door – 12’ high x 6’ wide.
- Windows: Massive windows including many “storefronts” and 12’ height.
- Framing and Drywall: “Zero base” where the wall and floor connect.
- Wall finishes: Venetian plaster on most walls. Coves and knife edge for illuminated lighting throughout.
- Electrical: 600amp service. Smart house technology enables entire house to operate off an iPad. Celestial lighting illuminates the ceilings as “star constellations” in primary and children’s bedrooms, as well as the 3rd floor lounge. Decorative ceiling illuminated light coves are featured throughout the home. Whole house generator and Tesla chargers. light coves are featured throughout. Smart house technology enables the entire house to operate off an iPad.
- Mechanical: Eight A/C units serve the residence. Many linear diffusers.
- Elevator: Elevator to service all three floors.
- Millwork: Extensive custom millwork throughout. Illuminated cabinetry in living room and restrooms. Custom cabinetry in all closets. Library bookshelf operates as a hidden door leading to concealed office. All furniture was custom made in Bali.
- Kitchens: Stainless steel chef’s catering kitchen. Show kitchen for “everyday” use with illuminated hanging pot rack and shelf. Natural gas appliances.
- Bathrooms: Artisan clay tile from Italy. Integrated countertops and sinks. 1,800-pound master bathtub carved from a single piece of Travertine, requiring a crane for placement.
- Aquarium: 900-gallon saltwater aquarium. Piping for equipment run to the outside of the house.
- Low voltage: Motorized shades and drapes, light coves, and sound system throughout – all controlled by iPad.
