Confidential
In Progress
Located on a remote Caribbean island, this ocean-front home emphasizes outdoor living at its core. Encompassing eight suites, a pool, courtyards, and large gathering spaces, this project can comfortably accommodate large family gatherings without sacrificing plentiful daylight, ocean breezes, and dramatic views for any occupant.
To withstand seasonal hurricane conditions, our client requested a robust concrete and coralstone palette for the building envelope, accentuated with bold forms and airy spaces. Crisp, rational exteriors and expansive interiors highlight the natural beauty of the site; three pavilions share a large sandy courtyard for lounging while smaller adjacent courtyards offer destinations for an outdoor shower and a barbeque grille. The pavilions are connected overhead by a cantilevered, curved concrete roof plane. The curved roof forms to shield the breezeways from the intense Caribbean daylight and creates bold graphic shadows at the ground plane. Strategically located wood surfaces and patterns offer accents of warmth and tactility inside, a counterpoint to the monochromatic concrete and stone palette outside.
Large operable windows allow ocean breezes to cross-ventilate each pavilion without solar glare. Concrete floors prevent damage from tracked-in sand and salt water, offering a welcome coolness underfoot in this tropical climate. During hurricane season, concealed hurricane-rated shutters can be deployed to protect the glass facades, while the concrete and stone exteriors prevent structural damage from wind uplift. Roof scuppers quickly evacuate stormwater from the roof, and the native vegetation landscaping strategy aids in draining and filtering the groundwater run-off. During mild weather, this landscaping strategy also creates lush habitats for native birds and insects.
CONSULTANTS
ARCHITECT OF RECORD Benjamin Architects Inc
STRUCTURAL EDS Engineers
CIVIL Harris Civil Engineers
LIGHTING Christine Sciulli Light + Design
MEP CES Engineering
VISUALIZATION Darcstudio