NAME: Private Residence
PROJECT TYPE: New Construction
LOCATION: PALMAS DEL MAR, PUERTO RICO SIZE: 6,400 SF
SERVICES: Programming; Architecture; Site Design

DESCRIPTION

The commission consisted of the design of a house on a two acre lot in Palmas del Mar, a resort on the Southeast coast of Puerto Rico. The lot is very steep, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, and enjoys breathtaking views of the resort’s Marina, the Caribbean Sea, and Vieques and St. Thomas Islands.

The primary design goal was the optimum orientation of the structure on the property to maximize the enjoyment of the views and prevailing tropical breezes; thus, the geometries of the house resulted from the desire to “hug” the hill and the vistas. Certain exterior architectural elements and finish materials were dictated by the Resort’s Architectural Design Guidelines; the various floor levels were a response to the significant grade change across the property; considerable roof overhangs and deep balconies and terraces provide shelter from the sweltering Caribbean sun and driving rains; windows are limited on the street side for privacy, and maximized on the east-facing exposures looking toward the Caribbean; and the lower terraces culminate in an infinite-edge pool that melts into the tops of the mango, papaya and palm trees below.