Located on a remote Caribbean island, this oceanfront home emphasizes outdoor living at its core. Encompassing eight bedroom suites, large gathering spaces, a kitchen, a bar, a pool, a garage, and courtyards, 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, we designed for extreme climate and coastal resilience with a robust concrete and coralstone structure, accentuated by the interplay of bold forms and airy spaces. The solid concrete and coralstone materials are expressed on the interiors as well as the exteriors of the building. By separating the building into several pavilions, the offset forms allow trade winds to ventilate the site through a series of interconnected courtyards.
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 gardens, an outdoor shower, and a barbecue grille. The three pavilions are connected overhead by a cantilevered, curved concrete roof plane for shade and protection from seasonal rains.
The curved roof forms shield the breezeways from the intense Caribbean daylight and create bold graphic shadows at the ground plane. Strategically-located wood built-ins, screens, and ceiling details offer accents of warmth and tactility inside, a counterpoint to the rugged and robust concrete and stone palette outside.
Large operable windows allow ocean breezes & steady trade winds to cross-ventilate each pavilion and obviates the need for air-conditioning. A honed concrete floor mixed with granite chips withstands damage from tracked-in beach sand and salt water; it also offers 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 solid concrete and stone exteriors prevent structural damage from wind uplift.
Roof scuppers quickly and efficiently 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 pollinators.
This home celebrates the open flow of light and air with a connection to nature. It promotes a durable, resilient structure that is architecturally refined and elegant in its proportions and spatial organization.
Category:Private HomesYear:2025Location:Barbuda, Antigua & Barbuda, CaribbeanArchitects:Desai Chia Architecture Lead Architects:Katherine Chia and Arjun Desai Design Team: Meera Toolsidas, Aaron Menninga, and Aubrey SterlingClient: PrivatePhotographer: DarcStudio
