Architect's Design Statement
The clubhouse at Old Palm Golf Club is a reflection of Palm Beach. It serves as
the focal point, and establishes the architectural standard for this luxury golf
community. The design is based on architectural and cultural precedents as well
as climatic factors that have shaped the development of Palm Beach since the early
20th century influx from New York, especially Long Island, and subsequently from
many countries worldwide.
An amalgam of the eclectic, historical revival styles of Italy and Spain, characteristic
of the Palm Beach architectural vernacular, originated by Addison Mizner in the
1920's, was designed to express the traditional values desired by the club. The
clubhouse provides a timeless setting for the social and athletic endeavors of the
members.
The design rationale is focused on capturing coastal breezes with courtyards, loggias,
verandas, cloistered walkways, and colonnades. Although air-conditioned, these historical
building forms enhance natural ventilation and maximize building efficiency in the
semi-tropical climate. Resultant exterior living spaces and large expanses of windows
provide the building with natural light, thus creating an expansive and inherently
relaxing feeling. The building design is zoned to provide the members with privacy,
intimate spaces, and separation of the various functions. From the golf course,
the massing of the clubhouse is minimized with the introduction of large, densely
planted earth forms unique to South Florida.
Interior spaces at Old Palm Golf Club are sequentially choreographed, beginning
at the entrance rotunda, and are scaled to achieve both a human scale and the grand
scale of an historic estate. Architectural detailing within the building, derived
from the Beaux Arts-neorenaissance revival styles advocated during the Gilded Age
of Palm Beach, was used to embellish the high ceiling spaces throughout the clubhouse.
The structural system is a composite of cast-in-place and pre-cast concrete with
CMU infill. An indigenous materials palette was selected and embellished with faux
and imported finishes. The total project scope encompassed the golf clubhouse of
44,300 square feet including the main building, spa, locker room wing, fitness center,
and swimming pool; the gatehouses; the Golf Studio; and the Guest Casitas.
We were charged with recreating Palm Beach at Old Palm Golf Club. Working in the
vernacular Palm Beach idiom was a great opportunity and challenge. Manipulating
scale was our answer to achieving both the grandeur necessary for social functions,
yet the human scale necessary for the members' everyday comfort. We have no overly
large rooms in the club. The dining room was subdivided into a series of more intimate
spaces which flow together or function independently.
- Architect, William Zmistowski, Jr., AIA
The Architect
Architects, Zmistowski Design Group LLC, based in Colorado, were commissioned by
the client, WCI Communities, Inc., to design the clubhouse for the Old Palm Golf
Club. Well known for their award-winning, frequently published design work, the
firm has an international clientele and an exceptional portfolio of private club
designs.
Founding principal, William Zmistowski, Jr., AIA, is a Palm Beach County native.
His relatives were prominent in the history of Palm Beach and a number of the more
exclusive golf clubs in south Florida since 1927.
Zmistowski served his architectural internship in the Palm Beach office of John Stetson, FAIA.
Lead designer for the clubhouse, Michael D. Olson, AIA, a principal in the firm,
collaborated closely with the client to create a successful expression of their
stated goals. Project Manager and Principal, C. David Rounds, AIA, was responsible
for overseeing the project.
Zmistowski Design Group is a budget-oriented firm committed to the clients' interests
and maintaining high standards in their work.