Up in the mountains, at the foot of Mount Scenery, construction is still in full swing on Villa Mountain Road. We are happy to share these new images from the construction site. The villa recently got a roof!
In this short new update you can see that the roof is finally in place. The new pointed red roof is in line with the traditional Saban architecture. In the hood of the roof, we created extra room space, so that the residents can have an office here. The design of this space is inspired by a loft.
Material choices
The facade has also been further constructed. We do this from stones that we found during the excavation. A sustainable way to use local materials and to import as few building materials as possible.
For us an important part of our design process, especially when we design projects on smaller islands. The use of local materials in new construction is important for a number of reasons. First of all: because of sustainability because it reduces CO₂ emissions from transport. You also have less waste from building materials that are imported and from materials that you have to dispose of after they have been excavated.
In addition, it strengthens the local economy, by only working with materials that are familiar to the population.
Finally, these materials fit better with the climate on the island and the aesthetics of the environment.
Design choices
We started designing this villa in 2018. One of the first parts that was realized of our design is no longer visible: the water tank under the house. Because Villa Mountain Road sits atop a steep slope, it is important to reinforce the house. To ensure that the house remains stable and can withstand a hurricane or storm, we have placed a large water tank underneath.
The clients wanted their primary living spaces on the top floor to capture the stunning views over the island, so we designed the home with bedrooms on the lower levels and placed the open-plan living room, kitchen, and study areas on the upper floors. This setup allows them to fully enjoy the landscape and natural light throughout the day. A central staircase runs through the house, connecting all three floors.
Our design concept draws from a stylized barn aesthetic. We chose local materials, aligning with the clients’ hands-on approach, as they took on much of the construction themselves. The facade, that is made of local materials, gives the villa a natural look that harmonizes with the surroundings. Our design not only respects the local environment but also gives the home a timeless quality that reflects the clients’ connection to the landscape.
Next up
Rock veneer is being installed next. After that, we are working towards the end of the project. Hopefully we will complete the project by the end of this year or early 2025.