PROFILEmiami caught up with Valerio Morabito, CEO of Morabito Properties, to discuss his newest joint venture condo development with Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group, Onda Residences in Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands. Designed by world-renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, the 8-story boutique building’s waterfront location will boast more than 300 feet of bay frontage, a private marina, and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Construction of Onda is estimated to begin this November with completion slated for 2023.

PROFILEmiami: What are your plans for Onda and what does “Onda” mean?

Valerio: When my partner Ugo Colombo and I were envisioning Onda, we had a “less is more” philosophy in mind – an intimate boutique-style condominium with large residences and luxury amenities. The project’s most unique feature of all, it’s waterfront location on the shores of the exclusive Bay Harbor Islands, was our biggest inspiration.

Onda is the Italian word for “wave.” With over 300 feet of direct bay frontage, the property will include a private marina for residents, a water sports launch dock with available kayaks, paddle boards and inflatables, and direct ocean access through Miami’s Haulover inlet.

PROFILEmiami: Tell me about the building’s architectural design.

Valerio: We chose Bernardo Fort Brescia of Arquitectonica for Onda’s architectural design. Bernardo is a world class architect that knows how to translate the beauty of this city into design. That's what he successfully did with Onda, reflecting the movement of the water and the beauty of the bay into the building’s exterior façade with its undulating balconies.

We have always imagined a place immersed in nature, facing the crystal waters of Biscayne Bay and overlooking Haulover natural park, an oasis of peace and tranquility. Steps away from the best shopping, restaurants, beaches and schools in this city. A place where people can connect with nature, enjoy watersports and boating thanks to the marina and the immediate proximity to the ocean. A place where residents can relax and reinvigorate in the spa and gym. A small, private and fully amenitized building in a unique location that makes life easy and filled with great experiences.

PROFILEmiami: What about the rest of the design team and the interiors?

Valerio: We partnered with A++ Human Sustainable Architecture to imagine the building’s interior design and amenity spaces, and with Enzo Enea of Enea Garden Design to create a signature landscape design for the surrounding grounds.

Onda’s interior décor is being imagined by Carlo and Paolo Colombo, the creative masterminds and founders behind A++. The partners, who are both from Milan, the design capital of the world, have built their reputation by designing and building architectural projects – from hotels and restaurants, to residences and commercial spaces – inspired and heavily rooted on the vision of sustainability and well-being.

Their design of the building incorporates natural materials and textures amid light wooden floors, stone and marble accents, and mid-century style furnishings – all in tones of white, beige, gray, brown and gold. Lush green foliage and planters are incorporated into every space, with views of the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay on full display.

We wanted Miami’s tropical spirit to come together with an Italian sense of style and elegance, and I believe we have achieved it through these great collaborations.

PROFILEmiami: What makes Bay Harbor Islands so unique?

Valerio: Bay Harbor Islands has been Miami’s best kept secret. It’s a quiet and charming neighborhood surrounded by some of South Florida’s finest shopping, beaches, and schools. The area is synonymous with an upscale, family-oriented lifestyle that appeals to buyers from across the country and around the world. You can be close to the ocean without having to deal with the traffic and hustle-and-bustle of Miami Beach.

PROFILEmiami: What types of buyers are purchasing residences at Onda?

Valerio: The vast majority – more than 80 percent – of our buyers are coming from across the U.S., particularly the northeast markets. We are seeing an uptick in demand from domestic buyers looking to relocate from major U.S. cities lured by South Florida’s quality of life, lower business and living expenses, and tax-friendly policies.

Our buyers are attracted the quality of our finishes and construction, our large residences, our private boutique model, our amenities – and overall, our unmatched waterfront lifestyle. Onda provides all the conveniences of luxury condo living on the Miami waterfront, but at less cost than a single-family house.

Our private marina and direct ocean access via the Haulover inlet is a huge selling point for buyers with boats.