GRENADA RESORT
Our studio was tasked with designing a resort on a steeply sloped site on the Caribbean island of Grenada. You enter the lot on top of the 100-foot cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounding land. This moves down a steep slope to a flat wetland populated by sea-grape trees and other foliage. There is a small beach on the east and a dense mangrove on the west. Moving south along natural paths there is a large rock outcrop that rises out of the ocean to give all around views.
Traversing the site I was inspired by the natural paths formed in the land by locals, the dense vegetation, and the breathtaking viewpoints. I took advantage of these in my design. I used a system of paths that guests can traverse through nature. I placed units and pathway meeting points to capture the view outward, and I designed the structures that minimally disturb the ground plane and vegetation.
The architecture is of a tropical modern character inspired by houses in South Florida and the Caribbean. Raw materials such as bare concrete and dark wood were used to match the natural character of the site. Large glass sliding doors ensured ample natural light and ventilation. To ensure optimal views out to the ocean, the two story villas are twisted to a position that ensures the occupants can see the land and ocean in front of them.
