The new Apple store in Miami, Apple Miami Worldcenter, marks a before and after in sustainable and environmentally friendly construction. This impressive wooden building is the brand’s first to extensively incorporate the Mass Timber construction technique, setting a precedent in store architecture for one of the world’s most recognized brands.
Designed by an internal Apple team, the store-counted as the 534th in the company’s global network-occupies a freestanding pavilion that combines the signature Apple Stores aesthetic with elements inspired by Miami’s art deco architecture. The choice of a wood building constructed with Mass Timber responds to the need for an efficient structural solution, which also allows for a significantly reduced carbon footprint by using FSC-certified materials.
One of the highlights is its roof, known as “the raised garden,” which integrates a timber structure and blends into a natural environment filled with trees and plants. This biophilic approach reinforces Apple’s philosophy of incorporating nature into its spaces, optimizing the entry of natural light and creating a welcoming and sustainable environment for customers.
Inside, the store is distinguished by tables adapted for accessibility and an oak frame that delimits essential areas such as the Genius Bar, the pickup point and the demonstration area for the innovative “Vision Pro” device. Each element has been selected to minimize environmental impact, using materials such as biomass-based terrazzo and wood structural systems that improve both acoustics and comfort.
This project is part of a growing trend in the technology sector, where companies such as Microsoft are already exploring the use of Mass Timber in the construction of infrastructure, such as data centers, with a commitment to sustainability. With the commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 in all its operations, Apple reinforces its leadership in the integration of green solutions in the design and construction of its stores.
The opening of this wooden building not only revolutionizes the traditional concept of retail stores, but also sets the stage for a new era of sustainable construction in the technology sector through a construction system that is increasingly on the rise: Mass Timber.
