Year: 2014
Area: 700 sqm
Type: Residential
Status: Completed
Located in the Pelican community of Sint Maarten, the Coral Shore development consists of twenty-six villas, carefully placed along the coastline. At the center of this community lies a common waterfront. Guided by meandering walkways, residents and visitors alike, are treated to a unique experience of colorful bougainvilleas, waving palm trees and spectacular marine vistas. Over the years, however, this secluded gem has fallen in a state of disrepair, resulting in an overall unattractive appearance, diminished use, and even potentially dangerous conditions.
The Coral Shore waterfront can be dissected in three distinct elements: the lush blossoming gardens, a kidney-shaped pool with adjoining patios, and five semi-private seaside terraces. A comprehensive renovation initiated by Coral Shore’s home owner’s association includes significant improvements to all areas.
Existing paths are widened and resurfaced with warm-colored anti-skid flagstones for enhanced accessibility. To unify the design, all patios and terraces are refinished in the same flagstone as well. Vegetated areas receive overdue maintenance, while voids are replanted. The central pool is completely refurbished with new finishes, electrical and plumbing. By relocating the existing pump room away from the terraced areas,undesirable noise is greatly reduced. The pool’s existing bullnose edge detail is reconstructed in natural stone also.
A series of new concrete parapet walls redefines the existing fragmented layout in clear lines while providing fall-protection where required. Both existing and new sea walls are either refinished with a durable skim coat, or clad with coral stone. Along with two new terraces, several concrete stairs are introduced for improved access. Throughout, new minimal lighting is provided along main walkways and at the sea walls. The battered palapas are repainted and covered with new dried palm leaves. A serpentine bench is added to the northwestern seaside terrace, offering a front row seat to a striking sunset.
In close collaboration with Coral Shore’s residents, AAP successfully transformed the dilapidated waterfront into a functional and welcoming communal space, reviving its splendor of days past.
Year: 2012
Area: 280 sqm
Type: Residential
Status: Study
Obstructed views are a primary disadvantage of row housing developments. By spacing out individual dwelling units, the blind urban wall becomes more transparent. The Beach Shells master plan utilizes this design concept in combination with intermediate raised platforms to accommodate the main entrance. Topped with roof gardens, these elevated decks visually blend into the park landscape while providing increased privacy. Two parking spaces and the lower level point of entry, are situatedunderneath. From the parking area, a straight flight of stairs provides access to the platform above.
The adaptable interior layouts are the result of a market study. A two-bedroom unit located on the second and third floors, leaves space for an additional one-bedroom unit below. Alternatively, the main interior staircase may be extended to connect both units, forming a more spacious townhome with three bedrooms, or with a lower level guest suite. The vertical organization of the building program with optional dual-level access creates both privacy and flexibility.
Oriented towards the Caribbean Sea and Sint Maarten, a full-glass facade offers spectacular views throughout the units. As the program is shifted towards the front of the townhome, a tapered buildingsection emerges. The structure is capped with a single parabolic shell, resulting in a unique, marketable design. The top edge of the shell projects beyond the glass facade to prevent direct sunlight from entering the units, hereby reducing solar heat gain as well as the building’s carbon footprint.
Year: 2015
Area: 740 sqm
Type: Residential
Status: Design
Villa Aeolus is sited on a lot bordering two public areas: Simpson Bay Beach to the southwest and Simpson Bay Road on the northeast. To address privacy and safety concerns, the main living quarters are placed on the second and third floor of the villa. In addition, the building’s ground level is elevated approximately two meters above the adjacent beach. The facade facing the street is predominantly enclosed, with the remaining elevations gradually opening up towards the spectacular maritime scenery.
The concrete structure is made up of three interlocking volumes. A closed cubic volume on the northeast incorporates the garage, three bedrooms and the media/playroom. Along the beach, the C-shapedshell supported by two sets of concrete columns features two full-glass facades, maximizing views over the Caribbean Sea. Mobile wood louver panels furnish privacy and shade where required. The intermediate rectangular volume houses most of the supporting program, as well as the staircase.
A two-car garage, the main entrance, and a grand outside living terrace with infinity pool occupy the ground level. Both terrace and pool are largely covered by the main building volume above, providing ample shade throughout the day. Lined with a continuous exterior deck, all primary program elements are situated on the second floor. This level also includes a media/playroom and guest suite with a shared loggia. The upper level contains two smaller bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as an open plan master suite with a spacious bathroom, his and hers walk-in closets, and a corner office. The 360-degree roof terrace offers a front row seat to the start of the annual Heineken Regatta.
Year: 2010
Area: 625 sqm
Type: Residential
Status: Completed
The commission for this three-bedroom villa in Oyster Pond came with a set of challenges: a barely accessible site, a request for an outdoor sitting area sheltered from the wind, and a desire for privacy in the community as well as privacy within the villa itself. Located on the east coast of Sint Maarten, the project site boasts stunning ocean views.
By placing the structure at the high end of the lot, adjacent to the public road, both convenient vehicular and pedestrian access are achieved. This approach also ensures unobstructed views, even in case of future development to the east. A short downward ramp leads to a three-car parking area and a compact apartment on the same level. Aside from access to the courtyard above, the open garage staircase provides natural light to the parking. Groceries or luggage are effortlessly moved up to the main level pantry by use of a dumbwaiter.
On the main floor, the building program is grouped around a courtyard, which provides access to all interior spaces as well as the pool. Two physically separated bedroom suitesare strategically placed towards the east, protecting the center patio from cool trade winds earlier in the year. A master suite forms the southern wing of this level. Intersected by the entrance walkway, both the pantry and kitchen are located west of the plaza. To the north, the indoor living room looks out over the endless ocean beyond the infinity pool. This spatial arrangement creates an intimate central outdoor chamber with sightlines to the Atlantic Ocean, Oyster Pond lagoon and Saint Barthélemy. Hardwood patio flooring emphasizes the outdoor living room concept, while all interior floors are finished with gray ceramic tiles. Throughout the residence, each space is uniquely shaped and oriented to accommodate its functional use.
