Casa di Sogni D'oro

Main Floor Plan © 2011 MCM Architects All Rights Reserved

Upper Level Floor Plan © 2011 MCM Architects All Rights Reserved

Clients sometimes ask for a Mediterranean style house in the Islands, as the client did for the above design. This style is actually well suited for an Island environment. The white stucco walls, the tile floors, the tile roofs, the courtyards and the loggias often seen in Mediterranean buildings are also very sensible to use in the Caribbean. Tile floors can survive the torrential downpours than can flood indoors and out. The concrete walls resist bug infestation. The white walls reflect heat and the non combustible tile roofs are a plus in areas with limited fire departments. The architectural elements of courtyards and colonnaded loggias adapt well to open plans preferred in tropical living.

The design above uses a formal linear axis around which to organize the plan. The entry sequence to the house has been laid out so that as you approach and enter the house your view is always focused out to the turquoise sea. You get glimpses through to water as you enter first the courtyard and then the rotunda, with the full dramatic impact of the oceanfront setting unveiled as you step out onto the open loggia which also overlooks the pool. A cross axis provides access to other parts of the house with the upstairs as the private domain of the owners with roof deck complete with sun beds and spa. Two guest houses separate from the main house provide privacy for owner and guest alike.

Island House Plan 8

Main Level Plan

Upper Level Plan

The wrap around veranda has often been used in tropical climates because it captures and channels the wind into the building, as well as shelter open doors and windows from the driving rain. This design is a very simple layout with all rooms having doors on two sides to facilitate natural cooling. The downstairs has public spaces while the upstairs is for the family, with three bedrooms and private sitting areas. Two independent guest suites connected to the downstairs veranda provide very private guest accommodations. The open column, rail and fretwork of the exterior can be filled in with rolling shades or folding louver panels depending on the wind orientation and sun exposure.

This is a very open house where the symmetry and uncomplicated plan layout create a very relaxing and casual indoor outdoor environment for Island living.

A reduced size version of this plan can be seen here.