Architect Max Strang sets out to deliver his environmental modernism on what just may be Palm Beach’s last golf community.
The golf and lifestyle club at Panther National will feature modern lines, a first in the country. PANTHER NATIONAL PHOTO BY ALBERT MIZUNO
It wasn’t architect Max Strang’s (@strang_design) handicap that convinced the powers-that-be at Centaur U.S. Holdings to tap him as the architect of choice for Panther National (panthernational.com), a residential community in Palm Beach County that will boast the nation’s first modern golf and lifestyle club, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus championship course and 460 estate homes. But while Strang’s tee skills may need work, his abilities as one of the country’s top architects and commitment to environmental modernism speak for themselves.
“I’m currently a very bad golfer,” says the Miami- and Sarasota-based Strang, “but I’m tremendously excited to be involved with this groundbreaking project.”
Architect Max Strang. MAX STRANG PHOTO BY DYLAN RIVES
As he should be. When completed (starting in 2023), Panther National may be the final golf community of its type to be developed in Palm Beach, a fact that has all those involved in the project excited to leave their mark.
For his part, Strang is poised to make a significant impact at Panther National given his firm’s dedication to site- and climate-driven design. For the club facilities, Strang is working with Peacock + Lewis Architects on various restaurants, lounges, locker rooms, swimming pools, an athletic club, a spa, a pro shop and a handful of support spaces to make the whole thing work. As far as the residences go, all of the homes will incorporate clean, modern lines and emphasize a connection to the outdoors. “This is definitely not a cookie-cutter subdivision with some old-world pastiche design,” says Strang. “This architecture aims to be timeless.” To that end, Panther National will boast three distinct neighborhoods with lots that range in size from 1/3 acre to slightly over 1 acre. “There will be a variety of choices for homebuyers,” says Strang. “There will be considerable customization opportunities for predesigned homes or the option to commission an entirely custom residence.”
As for Strang’s aforementioned adherence to climate-driven design? One will be able to see this attention everywhere, from the communal clubhouse to the private homes. There will be plenty of deep overhangs offering protection from both sun and rain. Intimate courtyards will breathe light and air into the heart of Strang’s designs with breezeways and shaded walkways to enhance connections to the outdoors. And when it comes to alfresco space, residents will have easy access to more than 2,400 acres of an adjoining preservation area.
“Our ethos is to reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship and our respect for the evolution of modern design,” says Strang. “My main priority is to keep pushing these principles through every aspect of the design for Panther National. If you are into ornate columns, big fountains and gold-plated statues, this is not the golf club for you.”
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