Charming Casuarina

Charming Casuarina

Even the most luxurious space can eventually lose its luster, and when it does, we’ve got the expertise and ability to bring back the beauty!

In the case of the Casuarina Condominiums, built in 1986, the building’s lobby was fairly dated by the time it sustained water damage, so they reached out to design companies to redesign their lobby and second floor public spaces. Before diving in, we invite you to take a look at our work in Casuarina’s lobby and card room.

Bid and Beauty

Sklar bid alongside two other companies, but our experience with building lobbies, the materials we proposed, and our design vision convinced Casuarina to select Sklar. Knowing that water damage had been an issue, our redesign specified porcelain-based and ceramic materials that would be water resistant as well as low-maintenance. Our experience with commercial work means we can source durable furnishings, as well as the stunning fixtures and touches we always bring to projects.

We would be a single point of accountability for the entire project and this total project control really appealed to the selection committee: planning, permits, insurance, demolition, construction management, electrical, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.

Embracing Challenges

Reinvigorating the Casuarina Condominiums brought its share of challenges that our team was able to navigate gracefully. As with many of our projects in the past year, the COVID pandemic threw a wrench into our progress. In March 2020, we had to pause work for 6 months.

Our design associate Gail Bennett, and construction planner and contractor Andres Silva worked closely with Casuarina’s condominium committee to build consensus. Understanding the needs of residents, building relationships, and delivering on them was crucial to our success.

As Casuarina’s residents and employees still needed to use the space, we had to be mindful about scheduling demolition and waste removal while maintaining safe and clean access to the offices and elevators. Dust also had to be kept out of the air conditioning unit and ductwork to prevent it spreading through the offices and public spaces.

Setting the Stage

In keeping with Casuarina’s upscale nature, our update and redesign was guided by a contemporary and chic style. Working with the high ceiling gave us the inspiration to use the spectacular Stella Chandelier, paired with Stella wall sconces to create a cohesive look.

Brightening the space was another priority for Casuarina. The rounded forms of the seating create a gracious and inviting atmosphere that’s paired with neutral gray and blue to lighten the space. The wallpaper, wall panels, and floor were chosen in similar lighter tones to create brightness, and an etched glass accent wall catches and reflects light beautifully.

Case Closed

Gail and Andres did amazing work for the Casuarina Condominiums, reinvigorating the lobby and second floor all while keeping the project on target from conception through execution. Their relationship with the condominium committee made approval smooth and the final product is simply stunning.

When it comes to complex, commercial projects like condominium lobby redesigns, our experience and abilities are more than a match for the challenge.