Conrad Orlando

Located in the heart of the theme-park capital of the world where creating a sense of illusion is the norm, how can one provide visitors with an authentic alternative that celebrates the Central Florida lifestyle in a fun but sophisticated way?

The many sinkhole-formed lakes that dot the Central Florida landscape are a unique characteristic of the surrounding locale. Arriving by airplane, one cannot help but notice the sunlight dancing off the many lakes of varying shapes and sizes that continue off into the horizon. The notion of casual but luxurious Central Florida waterfront living became the driver for the hotel vision rather than another themed destination re-creating somewhere else. At the heart of Evermore is a 12-acre lagoon. It serves as the organizing element for what will be a large community of branded single and multi-family residences, restaurants, conference space bars and more all anchored by a luxury resort hotel and spa – Conrad at Evermore.

Evermore is designed as a pedestrian-oriented environment. A boardwalk that loops around the lagoon serves as the main thoroughfare encouraging movement, exercise, and socialization. With the many enticing destinations along its path, one cannot help but want to get out be active and explore. The boardwalk provides unrestricted movement around the property allowing all guests to indulge in the many activities the property has to offer. The boundary lines of the hotel and its neighbors are minimal providing the exclusivity of staying within a private waterfront front community.

The chassis of the hotel is a horizontal, dock-like structure consisting of a main spine with secondary projections that interact with the boardwalk and water’s edge. This type of building configuration creates a compact plan that both maximizes the number of rooms with views to the water while also reducing overall walking distances from the main lobby to the furthest-most guestrooms. The inspiration for the building’s exterior palette originates from the materiality of a mid-century modern Criss-Craft boat. Exquisitely crafted details with a combination of wood, metal and glass paired with a light-colored interior, this classic look is re-interpreted architecturally to re-create the same timeless palette as well as nod to the luxurious lifestyle this watercraft symbolizes. Building materials include fossilized limestone panel, sustainability harvested tropical woods, high-performance glass and materials containing a high percentage of recycled content such as structural steel and aluminum.

Much of the property consists of a combination of lush greenery and that of a coastal setting that incorporate an abundance of shade and vibrantly colored, native plant-life. Water features at key locations are provided not just for creating a soothing ambiance but for their evaporative cooling properties that increase human comfort levels during hot summer days. Through solar and shading analysis, the building was designed to provide self-shading opportunities in a way which helps to reduce the amount of overall energy that is required for its daily operation.

As the main arrival road gently ascends, it terminates within a Florida dunescape contained within an undulating limestone wall. The outdoor environment becomes more refined and luxurious. Passing through an opening in the wall, one feels as if they have arrived at an exclusive destination unlike any other encountered before. The overall scale of the building is brought down by introducing metal frames around the guestroom windows within the motor court at the lower levels while maintaining a clean glass expression along the top. A tower with an atrium elevator lobby within gestures one to enter. The drama of the cantilevering canopy suspending a streamlined boat-inspired sculpture only further heightens one’s sense of anticipation. Crossing through a glass vestibule, the space suddenly expands in all directions, the lobby presents one with an elevated view down the longitudinal axis of the lagoon for an unforgettable first impression of what is sure to be a memorable experience whether visiting for business or relaxation.

The hotel’s primary amenities to include fine dining, an adult and kid’s pool deck, bars, guestrooms, and event spaces all have direct access to water views. Strategies were implemented within the hotel to help reduce one’s stress and unease by creating connections to nature. A large skylight atop the twisting elevator lobby atrium brings natural light deep into the center of the building. Guestrooms, finished in hues of sand and water, offer an abundance of natural light and floor-to-ceiling picturesque views out to Evermore. Spa and fitness activities such as yoga, meditation and hydrotherapy are offered in tucked-away, soothing indoor and outdoor environments such as in the water garden for physical recovery from the day’s events, re-charging, enhancing one’s physical and mental health to conquer the next day’s adventure that awaits.

Design: HKS
Design Team: Amanda Barton, Johnny Baize, Herb Blain, Mike Brown, Patrick Brady, Jessica Conrad, Tina Duncan, Matthew Clear, Eric Antalek, Madison Hogue, Christian MacCarroll, Stamati Nicolakis, Kayla Peckenpaugh, Cecilia Rey, Carlos Rivas, Jimah Rogers, Sergio Saenz, Ashley Shemelya, David Thomas, Adriana Zarrillo
Photography: Alex Fradkin