The Lumberyard on St. Johns Island is a mixed-use project consisting of a series of connected premanufactured structures. It is situated directly across from the Cruz Bay ferry port on a site that was once home to the islands main lumber supply facility. The need for the project came after a series of hurricanes hit the Caribbean and devastated many structures.
Given the shortage of trained and skilled labor existing in the islands the usage of prefabricated modules became appealing as an economical and practical solution to ensure the final delivered project is of the highest quality and built in the shortest amount of time.
Programmatically, the projects consist of 40 apartment units, a small fresh food grocery store, a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop, small retail shops and makers spaces, and a coworking shared office prototype. The elevator shaft wall will be doubled as a climbing wall to be used in conjunction with a boutique gym.
The site transitions 20’ in elevation and sits within a hillside that slopes steeply up from the edge of the small urban district of Cruz Bay into the very lush forests of one of the mountains in the Virgin Islands US National Park.
The design introduces a variety of commercial and social activities into a complex that is designed to accomplish multiple goals. The views from the site are as pretty as can be found on earth, and the layout takes advantage of these views across the straight to St. Thomas from multiple locations and during different activities.
The mix of activities are anticipated to attract both locals and tourists with intimate spaces intended to encourage interaction. The massing is opened up to allow guests to explore through a multitude of different paths. The opened nature of the massing permits the prevailing winds to move through the collection of buildings and allows the lush tropical landscape to become intertwined both through the spaces and upon the buildings.
Monumental and intimate trellises while providing shade from the intense sun, allow dappled sunlight to filter down into each of the public spaces. Glass walls, large operable glass doors, terraces, balconies, and veranda all connect users to the beautiful climate and views.
Overall, the design for The Lumberyard aspires to create a playful, intriguing and inviting community space where the user has something new and exciting to explore at every corner.
Category:Mixed-Use BuildingsYear:2019Location:St. John, U.S. Virgin IslandsArchitects:BLUR Workshop LLCLead Architects:Scott Sickeler, Tim Keepers, and Roberto BucheliDesign Team: Tim Keepers, Scott Sickeler, and Roberto BucheliClient: Premier Project Management
