A building isn’t usually mistaken for a sculpture, but that is exactly what could happen at Regalia, an architectural masterpiece that epitomizes gracious living on the water’s edge in Sunny Isles Beach. With lines more fluid than linear, the 42-story tower appears to have been shaped by the waves, wind and sand rather than by concrete, glass and steel.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia, founder of the award-winning firm Arquitectonica, Regalia will be a landmark building that also serves as a gateway to Sunny Isles Beach from the north. The building’s unique site plan allows it to be seen from every direction, which helped forge the concept for the building.

Since the Atlantic Ocean and its breezes define South Florida, it was a natural progression that they also shape Regalia. Fort-Brescia stood on the beach where the condominium will stand, felt the wind, waves and sand on his face and realized the building had to look like it was shaped by those natural forces.

“It called for sculptural expression, something more than architecture,” said Fort-Brescia. “Since Regalia won’t be sandwiched between other buildings, we took an approach to the design that wasn’t purely architectural. A sense of movement is more interesting than a chunky building.”

Its undulating lines are reminiscent of ocean waves frozen in time, but Regalia has not allowed form to overshadow function. The residences, of which there is just one to a floor, are a testament to the most luxuriant lifestyle. Each of the homes features unobstructed, 360-degree views of the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway, 95 feet on the ocean and enormous wrap-around terraces. The 10-foot deep terrace surrounding the residence on four sides allows light to permeate to the center of the home, an unusual feature in a waterfront condominium.

But it is these generously sized verandas that form the signature sensuous shape of the building; each has a slightly different contour and together they define the sculptural form of the building.

Buyers at Regalia have the opportunity to customize their units into virtually limitless arrangements due to the presence of numerous wet walls. This allows residents to extend plumbing to any location on the floor plan, an uncommon option in condominium living, that allows complete freedom of design.

“The units will be like having a custom home, the buyers won’t have to worry about the neighbors if they want to add something,” said developer Avra Jain. “The flexibility of the wet walls adds a lot of value to the home.”

Exceptional design, opulence and an appreciation for the finer things in life are all part of the Regalia lifestyle, fine art being one of them. Internationally celebrated glass sculptor Dale Chihuly revolutionized the Studio Glass movement by pushing the boundaries of the medium and has had a lasting influence on contemporary art with his distinctive creations.

Renowned for his large scale pieces and installations in natural settings including Fairchild Garden in Miami, Chihuly has been commissioned to bring his vision to Regalia where he will create numerous pieces for the public areas in his inimitable style. Using a very old-world art form – glass blowing – yet giving it a modern twist, makes his work timeless.

“His pieces are organic and fit perfectly with Regalia’s style,” said Jain. “We don’t know exactly what he will create; it will be up to him to decide. It will be a surprise for all of us.”

Regalia’s single-floor residences boast features ordinarily found only in single-family homes, such as generous master suites with 200 square feet of wardrobe space, floor-to-ceiling windows, his and her showers and whirlpool baths. Large-scale family rooms, dining rooms, great rooms and over 2,000 square feet of terrace space are luxuries not usually associated with high-rise living, but are standard at Regalia.

Building features include an infinity-edge swimming pool set amidst lush gardens and fountains, an oceanfront gazebo with poolside shower and spa, private beachfront cabanas and a fitness center overlooking the Atlantic.

Regalia is too large to be featured in the Museum of Modern Art or any other world-class art museum, so Sunny Isles Beach will be the de-facto art gallery where Regalia will always be on display. For its fortunate few residents, the opportunity to live within a distinctive work of art will be an experience to be treasured.

Regalia will be located at 19505 Collins Ave., where Sunny Isles Beach meets Golden Beach. The 40-unit luxury oceanfront condominium is expected to be completed in 2009.

Regalia Holdings is comprised of developers Jerry Kaufman, Avra Jain, Paul Cashman Murphy and Susanne Bak Mortensen, who have over 80 years of development experience between them. Sales have begun and are by appointment only.