The Continuum, that gigantic duo of residential towers at the southern point of South of Fifth, with its hundreds of units, acres of grounds, and oodles of amenities, is embarking on a multimillion-dollar renovation of its long entrance drive, which ascends two levels from the street to the main entrance, and will include the two roundabouts, the gatehouse, new pavers, a new fountain, and extensive landscaping. ArquitectonicaGEO, the landscape architecture arm of Miami megafirm Arquitectectonica, is handling the reno.

They’re also dropping the “South Beach” part of the Continuum’s name, and just going with “Continuum,” reflecting the fact that most people just call it “the Continuum” anyways.

Here’s an excerpt from the press release:

The design ethos and landscape architectural theme adopted by ArquitectonicaGEO for the exterior renovation of the Continuum was presented as “Infinite Wellbeing” in-line with the resort-style philosophy of the property. The brief was to transform and embellish the outdoor space at the Continuum so residents and visitors utilize it to its maximum potential over time.
 
“Our aim is to entice homeowners and their guests to be outside as much as possible,” says Michelle Cintron, Vice President of ArquitectonicaGEO. “If we increase the lushness for the pedestrian and bring them closer to nature, they are more likely to use their grounds and even arrive by foot instead of by car. This can be achieved by introducing some tropical plants and trees that are native to Florida and more recognizable to everyone. The end goal of this transformation is also functionality, performance and to establish long-term maintenance of the property as a whole. Part of the project will naturally result in beautifying the surrounding neighborhood to make it more pedestrian friendly,” adds Cintron.  “This will potentially activate the nearby retail area to a larger extent.”
 
ArquitectonicaGEO will be implementing an overall exterior transformation starting from the driveway into the Continuum, leading from the main road, as well as in and around the “Lower Rotunda,” the entranceway, gatehouse area, and “Upper Rotunda” where cars and pedestrians enter both towers.
 
Landscape designers, led by the ArquitectonicaGEO team, will be adding a large embellishment of color throughout each vicinity, with a hand-picked selection of matching flowers, shrubs, foliage and vegetation. Tree species currently being selected for the project include the Autograph Tree, Pigeon Plum, Green Buttonwood and Gumbo Limbo. The intention is to also relocate a good number of healthy trees on site, such as Date Palms, Florida Thatch Palms and Brazilian Beautyleaf, among others.  The existing water fountain fixture in the Lower Rotunda will be replaced with a “Specimen Tree” to establish a more interesting and statuesque aesthetic during the arrival experience.  The largest transformation will be within the Upper Rotunda, where a large older water fountain currently sits.  This will be replaced with a smaller, more tranquil water fixture, together with green foliage and plants that will encourage pedestrians to sit around.  Multiple pathways will also be formed through the center of the rotunda, creating a walkway that does not interfere with arriving vehicles or valet.

Check out the renderings, below.