Open House: Mr C Residences

Located on the Dubai Water Canal in Jumeirah, Mr C Residences has proven to be one of the most exciting luxury developments launched on the market this year. Lead Architect, Bernardo Fort Brescia of Miami-based firm Arquitectonica discusses the design of the iconic building - taking inspiration from the topography and location, the building's shape is influenced by desert dunes and ocean waves.

Bernardo: To some extent, the building relating to the waterfront location on the on this beautiful canal, it’s coincidental with the DNA of the brand Mr. C. Therefore, I started looking at a building that had some nautical characteristics. In the Italian tradition of craftsmanship, there’s always a concern about perfection of finishes. The beauty of materials, organic materials, and a certain degree of simplicity, that makes the building very elegant. And I think that tradition will be carried in this building. 

When you look at the details in the architecture, in the railings, in the soffits, in the in the interiors, in the way the spaces are configured, the proportions of the spaces are very classical. The undulating forms of the balconies are relating to the canal, but also are creating an aesthetic that is very sculptural and soft and flowing together with the building. It’s an elliptical tower that stands next to the water. It is it is unique in its form, but it’s also very pure and elegant.As a counterpoint to the fluid forms of the main building, a second exclusive tower rises facing the Burj Khalifa. Its pearl like elliptical shape continues the nautical vocabulary of the design. Throughout the project the details support the water bound theme of luxury yacht design. The soft forms imply a relaxed mood reflecting the idea of a resort nestled in the city.

Arrival is through a generous porte cochère. It leads to a lobby that reveal views of the canal. Adjacent is the Bellini cafe that also opens to the promenade. All the residences have private access elevators. All residences in the main building have views of the water face the canal and pool deck. 

Bernardo: The units stretch from one side of the building to the other allowing for multiple views and cross ventilation. The ellipse tower units are unique as they enjoy full panoramic views. Along the boardwalk townhouses provide a home in a privileged setting on the water. The amenity deck is unique as it faces both the Burj Dubai and the water. The expansive deck slides under the building to create a monumental deck and porch. It provides a unique resort experience in a boutique setting. Mr. C Residences Jumeirah is a true urban resort that complements the luxury lifestyle. It is a relaxing backdrop with an upscale waterfront cafe in the city.

But how would I say that it really distinguishes itself, aside from the architecture is the sheer scale, because a lot of the luxury buildings in Dubai are very large, and this is a real boutique building. It is a very special scale that doesn’t happen that often in that genre of building. And I think that bespoke aspect would make it a unique product like no other in Dubai. Well, let’s first begin that with the fact that even though the building is very sculptural and very sort of expressionist, it is very contemporary. It is a building of clean lines and pure finishes, but it is not superfluous. There are no materials for the sake of materials or forms for the sake of forms. Everything has meaning. Everything was thought out in terms of the environment in which the building sits. 

Bernardo: The idea of the soft undulating facade is because it’s on a canal and relate to the currents flowing of the canal, to the wind blowing in the neighbourhood. It is if there is a reason, there’s a story to the building. And when a building has substance, it has a story, has a background and a reason why it was designed that survives time. The project in Jumeirah is also interesting because is a continuation of what it’s almost becoming a tradition of Mr. C in the sense that the hotel in Miami is overlooking Biscayne Bay; the hotel in New York City is located near the seaport! There’s a certain aspect of the brand that somehow is attracted to waterfront locations, no different than the origins in Venice. To some extent this project is a continuation of that.