House in the Bahamas

Classically arranged rooms on intersecting axes are organized around a central courtyard. Their sequence offers views through contrasting interior and exterior layers of brightness and shade. Courtyards, loggias, and outdoor terraces are positioned to take advantage of the prevailing Bahamian breezes creating pleasant places to enjoy the out-of-doors while being well protected from the intense heat and sun. The centrally positioned Dining Room has floor to ceiling pocket doors that completely retract into the walls creating an indoor/outdoor room. A Jaume Plensa sculpture to the west of the Dining Room, off the Living Room terrace, appears to be contemplating the view across the property. The effect is serene and classical. The exterior combines Caribbean coral stone with our unique stucco mixed with crushed local Bahamian seashells. The shells accent the stucco with touches of pink and ochre. These materials are contrasted by painted wood clapboard, bamboo lattice, dark, textured stained timbers, and Wallaba roof shingles creating a symphony of dark and light, smooth and course, local and exotic. The interior decorating is by Clive Lonstein with whom we closely collaborated throughout the design.