Design Anguilla Issue 01

PREMIER ISSUE!!!

AUG-NOV 2012

ARCHITECTURE INTERIORS ART FASHION LIFE

da’Vida Inspired By The

FAR EAST

MODERN OUTDOOR LIVING AT

ANI VILLAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Topaz Villas

Exceptional resort homes to rent or own

Great room at “Imperial”

“Pinnacle”

3,500 sq. ft. / 325 sq. m.

3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths Upper Level Infinity Pool, Deck & Lounge “Top of the World” Spa Deck Master Bedroom Suite w/Outdoor Shower 360 degree views

“Imperial”

5,061 sq. ft. / 470 sq. meters 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths 2 Full Kitchens Spacious Inner Courtyard with Heated Plunge Pool Upper Bay-view Lounge Attached Penthouse Apartment

Today...

...35 Years ago

“Pinnacle” Pool Deck view Growing up in England, the cover of the 1978 “Anguilla in facts & figures” brochure was the only image of Anguilla that we knew. A fantastic photograph of the view from “Backstreet” in South Hill capturing the rich colors of the ocean and bay, the activity of the Road Bay Port and Sandy Ground Village, as well as the contrasting color of the salt pond. It remains Anguilla’s most photographed and representative image.

28 years later we returned to Anguilla to look at property we had inherited from a relative. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the site enjoyed the same vantage point that the photographer must have stood all those years ago. An impossibly beautiful & historic location, centrally located, with fine dining and fabulous beaches within a few minutes’ drive, an ideal spot for a villa development.

We very quickly conceived of the Topaz Villas. “Topaz”, chosen to capture the bluer than blue of the ocean. A single site with unified perimeter wall, standby generator and waste treatment platform with ample space to host 2 resort homes.

Inspired by the luxurious spa villas of Thailand, “Pinnacle” is a 3 bedroom 3.5 bath property that features an exclusive upper level spa/sun deck and spacious entertainment lounge that opens onto an infinity edge pool deck. The master bedroom suite includes a whirlpool tub and outdoor shower.

The recently completed “Imperial”, a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath villa, features a large courtyard with a heated pool.

The pool deck rolls seamlessly into the indoor great room, offering ample gathering space for entertaining.

Both properties have been carefully crafted to retain maximum privacy while maximizing the views.

We think you will agree that we have accomplished a development worthy of this prime location. These spectacular properties are available for your next short or long term stay or for you to own.

Please visit our website and contact us for booking details.

1978 “Anguilla in facts & figures” brochure cover. The view from the scenic road “Backstreet” on South Hill remains Anguilla’s most photographed and representative image. An ideal Anguilla view.

Furnishings & Art Each villa is tastefully appointed with authentic Thai & Indonesian furnishings and art in a decidedly modern style. 8ft tall solid Mahogany doors complete the luxurious interiors.

Natural Textures Tiles are Italian porcelain versions of bamboo, sea rocks, sandy beaches etc. Greenheart hardwood is used for roof & railings. These create a sense of comfort described by our guests as “Zen”.

Outdoor Living Each villa features seamless indoor/outdoor transitions.

“Pinnacle” has an open pool deck by the infinity pool and an upper level spa deck with spectacular 360 views.

“Imperial” has a huge, fully enclosed inner courtyard in authentic South East Asian style.

Phone: 863-968-6729 Email: topazvilla@gmail.com Web: www.topazvilla.com

WHAT’SINSIDE

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contents 5

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Editor’s Note What is design?

6

Feeling Design Janay Reymond relies on her emotions to create colourful, unique designs.

10 Set In Concrete Creative countertop designs using one of the most versatile building materials are showcased.

14 Youthful Exuberance Shanicia Richardson refines her passion for landscapes at the Ani Art Academy.

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18 Infinitely Fantastic Some of the island’s most inviting infinity pools explored.

www.designanguilla.com

4

50 Becoming Áni-Mated

| DESIGNANGUILLA

da’Vida Restaurant treats all the senses with its Asian-Caribbean fusion.

30 Creating Epiphanies Lee Skolnick can’t help being philosophical about architecture.

36 Zemi Conscious Under-construction boutique hotel on Shoal Bay East with a modern take on Caribbean design.

42 Highball Not Required Relaxed beachfront living is explored in the all-white Tequila Sunrise Villa.

58 Design Compass Locate every project featured.

For additional information Phone: (264) 476 8886 E-mail: info@designanguilla.com

ON THE COVER The ultra-modern Áni Villas enjoys the outdoors from its cliff-top location.

24 Knocking On Wood

Design Anguilla Magazine is published four times a year and is distributed via name and address and through select retail partners.

No part of Design Anguilla Magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent.

Printed in China

Advertising P.O. Box 5050, The Valley, Anguilla, BWI Phone: (264) 476 9503 E-mail: sales@designanguilla.com Subscriptions E-mail: subscribe@designanguilla.com www.designanguilla.com/subscribe

welcome!

We’re thankful to be able to introduce our very first issue! Our mission is to feature the best that Anguilla has to offer in architecture, interior design, landscapes, art, and design, in general. We believe that Anguilla deserves to have a publication that showcases creativity on the island.

What is design?

Design is extremely pervasive. It is involved in every facet of our daily lives. It’s in the buildings we inhabit, cars we drive, gadgets we use, clothing we wear, music we listen and, most prevalently, in nature.

Tropitone LOGGIA Deep Seating Collection

Top-notch outdoor furniture, umbrellas and hammocks in the Caribbean for over 35 years.

‘Design is the...SOLVING of PROBLEMS in a CREATIVE, ELEGANT and EFFICIENT manner’ First and foremost, design aims to solve problems. There are often many different solutions any of life’s numerous problems, but only a few do so in a manner that is simultaneously effective, as well as pleasing to our senses.

So it could be said that design involves the ‘solving of problems in a creative, elegant and efficient manner’.

There are numerous examples of good design and creativity within Anguilla. Working on this magazine has allowed us to discover a few of them.

We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed exploring Anguilla to bring design to you.

Editor Orrett H. Wynter

  

www.sunsethomesanguilla.com

  



PROFILE

“I use a lot of prints, I use a lot of ‘out there’ COLOURS...it could be the simplest outfit, the PRINTS and the colours make the DIFFERENCE.”

PHOTO: KEIROY BROWNE

- Janay Reymond

feeling INTERVIEW: Orrett H. Wynter

PHOTO: KEIROY BROWNE

design

PHOTOS: Keiroy Browne and Larry Stott

FASHION DESIGNER USES EMOTION TO CREATE COLOURFUL, UNIQUE PIECES.

What was your very first design?

The first thing I ever designed was an outfit for my cat. That cat eventually ran away. The first thing I made for myself was a jeans skirt for my clothing and textile class in high school. My paternal grandmother taught me how to crochet and different types of fabric designs. Some of them I don’t remember now.

What is the essence of Feelo’je?

I wanted to create something that reflected my style, which is a bit eccentric. I use a lot of prints, I use a

What is the Feelo’je brand?

We have a design company as well as a modeling company. We also do consultancy for pageant contestants.

What inspires your designs?

It depends on my mood, it depends on the year. My mind is like a playground and I design based on how I feel. I used to watch a lot of Animal Planet, so I ended up using a lot of animal prints. This year has been about using a ton of bright colours.

I’m an emotional designer. I do things because I want to, not because they are in style at that particular moment. continued on 8

www.designanguilla.com

My grandmother had one of the first clothing stores on the island, which was destroyed by hurricane in 1995.

I grew up in her store, so I’ve always been around clothing and design.

lot of ‘out there’ colours. It could be the simplest outfit, but I always think that the prints and the colours make the difference.

PHOTO: KEIROY BROWNE

How did you get into fashion?

PHOTO: KEIROY BROWNE

T

he creative force behind the Feelo’je brand is very clear about what she wants to create - a sense of uniqueness. Her background is steeped in fashion: her mother and aunt were professional models; her uncle a designer and makeup artist and her grandmother a seamstress.

Her swimwear designs have taken top honours in pageants around the Caribbean and have graced runways in numerous fashion shows, most recently her fashion line’s eponymous “Feelo’je Ferocious” in July 2012.

From her admiration of Caribbean designers to her love of wrestling, Janay Reymond shares her story thus far.

AUG-OCT 2012 |

7

PROFILE

continued from 7

Are there any other designers that you admire?

I admire Caribbean designers. Roger Garry and Kaisha Peters. Kaisha is my mentor. I love how she takes oldfashioned styles and make them into something young and fresh. She has a vast knowledge of the industry and has helped me a lot to figure out what to do.

Roger Garry has been in the business for over 20 years. He actually came for my show this year and I got the chance to pick his brain and he helped me in so many ways. Things I would have never thought about, he helped me with.

Many designers might use famous names like D’ior, for example, as their inspiration, but it takes a lot to come from the Caribbean and be known for fashion. I think Roger’s designs are amazing but, being from Guyana, he’s probably not as well-known as he should be.

“most of my designs are CUSTOM PIECES, so if you buy a swimsuit from me you’ll be the ONLY ONE with it.”

- Janay Reymond

PHOTO: LARRY STOTT

Many of your designs are one-piece swimsuits. Why? Technically, they’re not one-pieces, they’re monokinis.

There’s not much you can do with a two-piece swimsuit.

I’ve done a few but I find them to be very boring.

What do you do when you’re not designing?

I love wrestling. I can’t wait for next week; they’re having the 1000th episode of (Monday Night) Raw and a lot of the older stars will be on it. Bret Hart, The Undertaker and The Rock will be there.

Where can people get your designs?

www.designanguilla.com

From Facebook, mainly. Most people have my phone number, this is Anguilla after all. I’m currently working on mass production to be in stores but, at this present moment, most of my designs are custom pieces, so if you buy a swimsuit from me you’ll be the only one with it.

Women don’t want to be out and see someone else with the same dress on. Maybe in a larger country, but not in a small community where everyone goes to the same places.

8

What’s next for Feelo’Je?

Janay K. Reymond

| DESIGNANGUILLA

Mass production, then my own store. I have contacts in Antigua that handle production because quality is important.

My immediate goal is Caribbean fashion week next year, then eventually fashion week in Miami or New York.

MATERIALWORLD

set in

concrete TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter

A ubiquitous building material, concrete has been the predominant choice for floors, ceilings and everything in between. The combination of innovative designs, colours and finishes are creating attractive kitchen and bathroom countertops that have seen its popularity increase in recent times.

W

PHOTO: REACHING QUIET, CHARLOTTE, NC

www.designanguilla.com

e’re all familiar with concrete.

Quite possibly the very roof over your head right now is made of concrete. Anguillians build with concrete because it is tough, plain and simple. It’s used for walls, roofs, driveways, columns & beams; but it might not be the first material considered for other uses.

Its usefulness, however, extends well beyond these undoubtedly necessary, but ultimately mundane, applications.

With its ability to take on custom shapes, be coloured by adding

10 | DESIGNANGUILLA

pigments, as well as given visual texture by embedding various materials such as glass or even sea-shells, concrete has become a viable alternative to the traditional countertop surfaces such as marble, granite or engineered stone.

It is this versatility that attracts the majority of clients that Clyce McCarthy, a concrete and stone installer, has worked with. “Most persons simply have a preference for using concrete, because of the customizability. Various shapes and

finishes can be achieved” he said.

It’s also a very accessible material to use, not least because the raw materials are easily accessible, and relatively cheap. McCarthy is quick to point out that installing quality concrete, however, is still fairly expensive. “It is a labour-intensive process. Finished concrete counters, can cost just as much, or sometimes even more than granite or marble, because of the labour costs,” he said.

We explore some creative concrete installations in the next pages.

1

Equity

Anguilla Community College

Designing

AnguillA’s future, one stuDent At A time ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

Hospitality & Tourism Management Business Studies Information Technology Culinary and Hospitality courses: Easy Entertaining Events Planning & Management Supervisory Management Introduction to Hospitality Graphic Design Web Design Introduction to Computers

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What Makes Us Anguillian English as a Second Language Spanish for Beginners

Access

Computer courses:

CXC Courses

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Early Childhood Education Geriatric care Skills certification

For tradesmen to gain experience-based certification

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CATERING SERVICES BY ZENAIDA CAFÉ

Order hors d’oeuvres, lunches and desserts through Zenaida Café which is a training and catering facility within the ACC.

CONFERENCING FACILITIES

ACC provides conference rooms and support services for training sessions, meetings and workshops.

Our 20 computer IT lab is also available.

The vision of the ACC is to become a leading institution in the region which promotes quality teaching and passionate learning in an ever changing global environment.

r (264) 498-8396/497-2538

h acc.mailbox@gov.ai

p http://www.gov.ai/acc

Excellence

CERTIFICATES/DIPLOMAS

MATERIALWORLD

2

4

3

1

www.designanguilla.com

Seven different colours,

If there is sufficient support for a

2

By far one of the most

This custom concrete pedestal

aluminium inlays as well as

slab’s weight, the thicknesses of

3

interesting, and useful, features

sink was created using a

tempered glass come together

concrete countertops are left up

possible when using concrete

combination of fabric formwork

to create this award-winning

to the designer’s imagination...or

countertops is the ability to

and Cheng Geocrete™. Perfect

kitchen project.

the project owner’s wallet.

create integral sinks.

for persons that want to

Similar to how food colouring is

This particular installation has

This vanity has an integral

pour their own countertops,

added to cake icing, the colours

a 4-inch thick concrete slab

sink that was custom molded

Geocrete™ is a lightweight,

used in the concrete were added

cantivered over 20 inches to

to resemble topographical

bagged concrete mix that

in a powdered form to the entire

provide a larger counter surface

contours. The contours were

results in a glossy surface finish

batch.

that doubles as an eating area.

first carved out of wood - a

without the need for mechanical

The orange and white highlights

It is supported below by cast

tedious three-week process. The

polishing or buffing.

contrast with the grey of the

concrete panels, eliminating

wooden mould was then used to

Using fabric formwork allows for

rest of the countertop to give an

the need to install reinforced

create a plaster mould. This, in

a sculptural quality and flexibility

organic-looking finish that could

cabinets.

turn, was used to create a rubber

in the shape of the finished

easily have been some form of

Countertops made of stone may

mold for shaping the concrete.

product.

exotic stone.

break off in such applications,

An integral pigment called

and either need to be reinforced

Platinum was used to achieve the

Architectural Concrete Interiors,

Concrete Jungle Design,

(nullifying the effect), or the

light-grey finish

Phoenix, AZ

Singapore/Colorado

length of cantilever reduced.

www.concretejungledesign.com

12 | DESIGNANGUILLA

(602) 486 9376 Reaching Quiet, Charlotte, NC

(719) 499 1396/+65 9729 4607

4

Clyce McCarthy, Anguilla

(704) 377 6304/995 3415

(264) 584 4304

www.reachingquiet.com

www.codydesigns.com

5

Savannah Gallery Contemporary Caribbean Art

The Valley, Anguilla (264) 497-2263 savannah@anguillanet.com www.savannahgallery.com

6

This countertop, inlaid

5

In this countertop, sprayed glass

with custom glass pieces,

6

fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC)

demonstrates a design effect

was preferred to conventional

called Illumi-Crete™.

pouring in order to control the

The Illumi-Crete™ fiber optic

application of the colours.

lighting gives the effect of

The intricate patterns were

tiny stars strewn throughout

achieved using an innovative

the surface. This can also be

technique that masks different

controlled: made to twinkle, or

parts of the design to delineate

change colours.

the application of the coloured

In normal lighting conditions, the

concrete.

inlays look like white glass pieces.

Colourful glass inlays offer

Under a black light, however, the

additional visual texture. The

pieces glow, revealing words,

finish required prevented any

phrases and pictures.

grinding afterwards, so these pieces had to be individually

when managing projects...

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P.o. box 392 . the valley anguilla, aI 2640

Consulting Ltd.

fgsconsulting@anguillanet.com

264 265 4278

ARTSTUDIO

Youthful

Exuberance www.designanguilla.com

TEXT: Deborah G. Wynter PHOTOS: Orrett H. Wynter

14 | DESIGNANGUILLA

ANGUILLIAN ARTIST WITH A PASSION FOR LANDSCAPES. A student at the newly-formed Ani Art Academy, Shanicia Richardson’s work captures her love for Anguilla’s beautiful scenery, culture and history. Her work has graced the walls of exihibits, and her persistence and passion for her art should be an inspiration for any aspiring artist.

Be Intentional

OPENING HOURS AND & CALENDAR OF EVENTS Main restaurant opens Tuesday to Sunday. Dinner 6:00 - 9:30 pm Tapas at da’Vida lounge 5:00 - 9:00 pm Happy hour Thursday thru Saturday 6:00 - 7:00 pm Ladies night Thursdays 7:00 - 10:00 pm Live entertainment at da’Vida Lounge Friday and Saturday Bayside Bar and Grill opens daily from 10:00 am - 5:00pm

ARTSTUDIO

www.designanguilla.com

Ocean Blues

16 | DESIGNANGUILLA

Remains on Sombrero Island

Coconut Tree

ISLAND ART GALLERY

Paintings & Pottery by Lucian and O. Melsadies Fleming Niki V

A

nguilla-born Shanicia Richardson developed her passion to pursue art at a young age.

Her involvement started with shell collecting and craft making.

“In my last days of high school, I would do sketches and designs on T-shirts for the ending of the school year,” she recalls. It was later on that she discovered her true talent while being trained by local artist, Mrs. Louise Brooks, and decided to make a career out of it.

With the support of her family and friends, Shanicia went on to improve her skills under the tutelage of Mr. Jose Juan Morena Frances where her work improved significantly. Her pieces focus on Anguilla’s landscapes, oceans, wildlife, and traditional homes – the familiar uniqueness that is Anguilla. Shanicia explains her inspiration as “Anguilla’s beautiful scenery, the culture and history.”

She intends that persons will get a feeling of immersion when they look at her work.

“I hope to draw persons in when they look at my paintings,” she says. “I want them to imagine themselves in scenes and fall in love with them.”

The opening of the Ani Art Academy in February 2012 has offered her the opportunity to explore new

techniques, different media and to learn how to further express herself through her work.

“Studying at the Art Academy is such a great opportunity. The program teaches us to be dedicated students while developing and learning new skills and techniques to create unique pieces of art. The program has been enhancing my talent and making me a more confident artist,” She said.

As a traditional artist working within what is considered to be a contemporary genre, Shanicia hopes that her lessons at the Academy will give her the confidence, not stray too far from her love of landscapes, but to improve their expression and use them as backdrops for something new and exciting.

An excellent example of Shanicia’s work would be her recently completed piece entitled ‘Ocean Blues’.

“This is my favourite painting,” she points out. “I love how I captured the shades of blue in this piece. There’s no way the beach can be wrong, the ocean can be many shades of blue and it would still be right.”

As an emerging artist, her work has matured and has already been featured in a number of exhibitions.

Shanicia is definitely a young artist to watch out for.

Souvenirs Anguillian & Caribbean Dolls Bags Woodwork Metalwork Ceramics

Jewellery boxes Tea towels Table mats Pot holders Art prints Postcards and much more

Located in George Hill (next to Anguilla Vision Center)

octaviafleming@hotmail.com

264-729-4825/4827

VANTERPOOL SERVICES

Bottled Water Trucked Water Solid Waste Removal P.O. Box I4100, Island Harbour Anguilla, BWI (264) 476-7543/235-7543 vanterpool_services@hotmail.com

OUTERSPACE

infinitely

fantastic TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter

PHOTOS: Equity Estates, Viceroy Anguilla and Orrett H. Wynter

EXPLORING SOME OF ANGUILLA’S INVITING AQUATIC ESCAPES. Offering an enchanting visual experience for swimmers and onlookers alike, infinity pools remove the visual barrier between pool, sky and ocean. Done just right, the water seems to fall off into the horizon and the ocean becomes part of a private oasis.

I

t’s summer…technically. Around these parts, the word “summer” is less weather-related, and more to do with Carnival. This is Anguilla, after all. Year-round temperatures typically stay above 70⁰F, so we really have “summer” all year long. One fact that isn’t up for debate is that it is hot. With the kids on summer break, and electricity bills as high as the thermometer reading, lounging by the pool seems like a pretty good idea.

Infinity-edge (also called negative-, vanishing-, or zeroedge) pools have one or more sides just below the water level, giving visual impression that the water extends into the horizon. It is this blurring of the lines that attracts people to infinity pools. Where the edge seems to merge with an ocean, or the sky, the effect is even more impressive. Many Anguillian properties lay claim to some of the most breath-taking views

of anywhere in the world. There are few better places where infinity pools are better suited.

Sure, they are expensive, and are not the easiest to build properly – the infinity edge needs to be fairly precise to maintain a perfect vanishing look. Moreover, since they are almost always built on hillsides or beachfronts, where the effect is most dramatic, the engineering demands are substantial. Nevertheless, they are popular, so much so that Merriam-Webster, the publishing house, chose to add the term to their dictionary in 2008. If a surreal visual experience is craved, then an infinity pool certainly has to be an option.

For many property owners, the benefits completely dwarf the obstacles.

We explore a few of our local favourites in the ensuing pages.

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

Conceived as Tuscany-meetsAnguilla, Ambrosia Villa sits on the far eastern end of Shoal Bay East. Its infinity pool dominates the outdoor space and has a completely unhindered view of the eastern end of the world-famous Shoal Bay beach and the setting sun to the West.

Typically reserved for the palm-tree bespeckled Caribbean all-inclusive, the pool has a full swim-up bar - complete with refrigerator, sink as well as seating below the water level.

The coping around the pool, as well as the low walls surrounding the deck are of native Anguilla stone installed by stonemason Keith Richardson.

The feel of a Tuscan countryside villa is completed by the rustic, tumbled marble tiles that cover the deck.

ambrosia

AUG-OCT 2012 | 19

Paul and Elise Alegria’s Castle is missing one thing - a moat. They were quick to remedy that aquatic faux-pas by creating an infinity pool fit for a king (and queen). Occupying one of Anguilla’s highest points, there are few better locations that demonstrate the allure of infinity-edged pools.

A shaded veranda offers shelter from the sweltering Anguilla sun and includes a complete outdoor kitchen with barbecue grill as well as multiple areas for dining.

The crowning jewel, however, is the view. From beach-goers sharing Crocus Bay with sea turtles and mega yachts below, to the fantastic sunsets in the west, the pool offers a truly great visual experience.

20 | DESIGNANGUILLA

Grand Outlook Castle

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

OUTERSPACE

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

A public thoroughfare between themselves and the object of their desire – the view to Road Bay, wasn’t enough to deter the Louden family from creating an infinity pool with a view. They simply built it on the upper floor of their villa.

This proved to be an inspired decision as the deck now disregards the very existence of traffic and concentrates on the view out towards North Hill and Sandy Ground village below.

The pool deck offers a great vantage point to witness the close finishes to many of the local boat races.

Notwithstanding the lack of sprawling floor space, there is still ample room for outdoor dining as well as just lounging poolside.

topaz east

AUG-OCT 2012 | 21

PHOTO: VICEROY ANGUILLA

OUTERSPACE

Sunset Pool - Viceroy Hotel

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: VICEROY ANGUILLA

The modernistic Viceroy Anguilla resort is home to a number of pools, both public, and private. By far, the most popular is the aptly-named Sunset Pool. From its vantage point on a bluff overlooking both Barnes & Meads Bays, there are few better places to view an Anguillian sunset.

The pool adjoins the Sunset Lounge, the resort’s cocktail and light dining lounge that is popular with visitors and locals alike. The lounge and pool areas conform to the contemporary design expression that defines the entire resort.

Marbled walls and floors, carefully considered dĂŠcor elements along with slide rule-neat landscaping provides a refreshing context for enjoying happyhour while watching the setting sun.

22 | DESIGNANGUILLA

Designed to accompany the outdoor living “room�, the pool at Rum Punch villa encourages an open-air lifestyle. Overlooking the secluded beach at Dropsey Bay, the deck has views of St. Martin to the south and the sunsets in the west.

The outdoor living space offers generous lounging opportunities. The design, which relies on simple forms and clean lines, is paired with modern wicker furniture, accentuated with many vibrantly coloured cushions.

These colours stand in pleasant contrast to the neutral tones used in the walls and tiles on the floor.

The square-shaped, jetted spa which spills into the larger, main pool provides an aural accompaniment to the rest of the experience.

www.designanguilla.com

rum punch

AUG-OCT 2012 | 23

INTERIORMOTIVE

Knocking On

Wood TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter

PHOTOS: Orrett H. Wynter and Susan Croft

ASIAN-CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT AIMS TO TREAT ALL THE SENSES. Already popular for its delicious menu, da’Vida Restaurant on Crocus Bay blends natural materials with exquisite detailing to create a just-like-home dining experience.

www.designanguilla.com

T

he phrase “dining experience” is one that has taken a permanent place in modern lexicon. Eating out is not about the food…well, it’s not just about the food. The atmosphere is as important and can ruin what was otherwise a wellprepared meal.

Vida Lloyd-Richardson was mindful of this from the beginning when she and her brother and business partner, David Lloyd decided to rebuild a restaurant on the site of the old Roy’s

24 | DESIGNANGUILLA

Place (now Roy’s Bayside Grill). The duo, joined by Vida’s husband, and the design force behind the restaurant, Clyde Richardson, eventually set their sights to Asia.

“The idea was to build something that would fit in with the natural settings. We decided on an AsianCaribbean fusion in terms of design, as well as the food,” she said. The trio set off on two trips to the Far East, firstly to the Philippines, then ultimately to continued on 27

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

The tapas bar on the lower level is the da’Vida aesthetic in microcosm. The space encompasses wooden elements, literally, from floor to ceiling . The bar, made of G uyanese greenheart hardwood, was designed, and built by Vida’s husband, Clyde.

AUG-OCT 2012 | 25

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

INTERIORMOTIVE

“We wanted to create a NATURAL, HOMEY feel, but one that was still INTERNATIONAL. I think we’re getting there.”

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

www.designanguilla.com

- Vida Lloyd-Richardson

26 | DESIGNANGUILLA

this page top: This wooden bench on the upper level of the restaurant retains

A sian-inspired motif seen in the Cushions embroidered with the da’Vida moniker add a splash of colour. the

railings.

this page bottom: Also inspired by A sian culture, these wind chimes offer an acoustic reception at the formal

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

entrance to the restaurant.

opposite page top: Tempered glass windows offer a voyeuristic treat for diners with an opportunity to see into the soul of the restaurant

- the

kitchen.

opposite page bottom: The comfortably-furnished lounge on the upper level reaffirms the commitment to creating a feeling of home.

continued from 24

to its extreme toughness. In fact, the restaurant is almost entirely made of wood: dark hardwood floors, dark wood chairs and tables. The countertop at the bar area, designed by Clyde, is of polished, stained Greenheart. continued on 28

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particularly wood, was a central part of the aesthetic. “Asian architecture uses lots of wood, and it makes you feel very comfortable.” Vida explained.

Greenheart, from Guyana, was chosen as the primary building material due

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

Bali where all the furnishings were sourced. The resulting design belies the beachfront location by creating a sophisticated, uptown feel.

An Asian-inspired design meant that the use of natural materials,

AUG-OCT 2012 | 27

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

INTERIORMOTIVE

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

top: Often forgotten in restaurant design, the attention to detail is extended to the restrooms with wooden vanities outfitted with vessel sinks and stainless steel fixtures.

above: Sea-grass wallpaper interfaces with wooden elements to maintain the natural feel in this hallway.

right: Greenheart-clad entry portico with its steep-pitched roof is reminiscent of an A sian pavillion. bottom: The carefully designed spaces makes it much easier to appreciate the

A sian/Caribbean menu.

PHOTO: SUSAN CROFT

www.designanguilla.com

delectable

28 | DESIGNANGUILLA

continued from 27

Asian culture was also the inspiration behind da’Vida’s logo which incorporates a mandala. In Hinduism and Buddhism, mandalas are a sacred symbol used for self-expression, spiritual transformation, and personal growth. “Our spiritual understanding of it is interwoven energies,” Vida explains.

The name da’Vida was chosen to honour their parents who, incidentally, are also named David and Vida. It had been their vision to build a restaurant

on the property 20 years prior.

Lest we forget, there is food! This is a restaurant after all. da’Vida’s menu is fairly extensive. The Asian-Caribbean concept is integral to the menu with choices such as Thai Beef Salad and Pan Seared Snapper.

Vida explains that they wanted to reinvent the beach shack. “We wanted to create a natural, homey feel, but one that was still international. I think we’re getting there.”

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creating

epiphanies INTERVIEW: Orrett H. Wynter

LEE SKOLNICK WAXES PHILOSOPHIC ABOUT HIS PROFESSION.

W

hen he’s not busy lecturing, writing or working on another design masterpiece, acclaimed architect Lee H. Skolnick might find himself travelling...often to his vacation home on Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla. Widely published, his portfolio is made up of works from children’s museums to luxury vacation villas. Ani Villas, Kamique, and his own Songbird Villa are among the projects he’s worked on in Anguilla.

Currently designing the new Cuisinart Golf Resort hotel, we met up with the award-winning architect on a recent visit to Anguilla and he opens up about his love of the island, his design philosophy and who he’d invite to dinner.

PHOTO: RALPH GIBSON

CONVERSATION

You’ve done a number of projects in the Caribbean and Anguilla, in particular. How did you get here?

What do people misunderstand about what you do?

I think the perception is that it is primarily a technical profession, but the technical aspects are just a means to an end. People might ask, ‘How much is it going to cost me to get a set of plans?’ If they’re asking me that question then we aren’t the right match. If you’re not interested in taking our kind of journey, then there are lots of other persons out there that can do what you’re asking. I’ve made choices about how to live my life, and it’s about helping you to create something that will have value. It doesn’t have to cost you more money; its not about money.

What do you think the post-recession future holds for architects and architecture?

I think, first of all, our clients will be much more budget continued on 32

Rubin Museum of Art, NYC

DiMenna Children’s History Museum at the New York Historical Society, NYC

Vortex, a museum on innovation and entrepreneurship, Dayton, OH.

www.designanguilla.com

I think architecture is a form of communication. What an architect does is communicate to people about their own lives, what’s important to them and what’s unique about places. I call it design-as-interpretation. It’s up to the designer to try and unearth the narrative and use it as an inspiration for making decisions. If you look back at history, architecture is how we understand cultures, how they lived and what they believed in. That’s our responsibility - to embody how different people live and how they respond to their environments. It’s not just about making a place, that’s not hard, I think we have a higher calling...and it is to be responsible communicators of our culture. My job is to interpret hopes, desires and interests into a place for you to live. It will be beautiful if it is truthful. It’s not going to be beautiful if you like asymmetry, or pink, or you like this version or that. It is about finding a truth, and then interpreting it through the architecture.

PHOTO: PAUL WARCHOL

What does Architecture mean to you?

PHOTO: JON WALLEN

I came here to play at MoonSplash in 1991. A friend invited me, he was a friend of Bankie (Banx) and he said to me “I’m going to play at a music festival in the Caribbean”. He was a guy who was a client of mine, but also someone I played music with. He said “You wanna come down and play at the music festival?” and I said “Yeah!”

MoonSplash was held on Sandy Island at the time, there was no Dune Preserve and we had this crazy, great time and I fell in love with the island. For many years I came back and stayed at the old Rendezvous Bay Hotel. Then my wife and I had kids and we brought them with us as well.

AUG-OCT 2012 | 31

CONVERSATION

continued from 31

conscious than they were five years ago. I think the other thing is we really have to partner with our clients in making them realize how they benefit from our expertise in terms of value, not just in terms of beauty and design aesthetics.

People hire us and think that architects just cost money, but if we’re well-trained, and well-experienced, they’re going to save money. We need to come together with the builder and the client as a team and figure out how to work collaboratively to reach the right solution. Architects cannot afford to just be seen as Eiffel Tower-designers, we have to be seen as problem solvers. I’ve never had a client, after we were done, misunderstand the value of what we do, it is upfront that we have to prove our point.

What other cities/places do you like for architectural, or other reasons?

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K amique Villas, Little Harbour, Anguilla

32 | DESIGNANGUILLA

I’ve travelled a lot and one of my biggest influences earlier on, about 30 years ago, was Japan. It wasn’t the actual, physical buildings, but their approach to design. That sort of lightness, delicacy, the relationships to nature; it had a tremendous influence on me. Later, I did a grand tour of Europe and seeing all the buildings we’d studied in architecture school: The Parthenon, Pantheon, Chartres Cathedral (Notre Dame). When young people come to my office for advice because they want to become architects, I say to them “Travel; see the world, see what makes great continued on 35

Songbird Villa , Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

Jamie’s Villas Island Harbour

Waterfront 2-bedroom apartments with private balconies. Completely furnished with modern amenities. : (264) 497 2934 m: hertztriplek@anguillanet.com

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PHOTO: JAMES WILKINS AND PATRICK MULCAHY

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CONVERSATION

34 | DESIGNANGUILLA

Ani Villas, Little Bay, Anguilla

design is...EVERYWHERE continued from 32

architecture great; see how people live and understand how architecture is a reflection of that place and time”. If you don’t understand that, you can’t do architecture. To me, the great cities, Rome, Paris, Istanbul, Shanghai, Kyoto, you need to see these places; I’d love to live in all of them, but the compromise is that I live in New York, so I can get to all of them pretty easily.

What other projects are you working on now?

We’re actually in Anguilla now meeting with Cuisinart Resort about designing the golf course hotel. We’re doing an amazing house in the Hamptons on the beach; we’re designing a museum in Bulgaria, and we recently started working on an exhibition about gold for a museum on Wall Street. We’ve also just started a children’s museum in Tel Aviv (Israel), as well as some apartments and townhouses in New York. A lot of it is very recent because the last few years have been very slow. Our firm, at the high point, had about 46 people and we were down below 20 not that long ago. We’re now stepping up our staffing slowly. During the downturn, we did everything we could to keep our senior members because these people have ‘firm (company) memory’ that you can’t replace, they’ve put in their time and we wanted to pay them back for their loyalty.

ENJOY DESIGN ANGUILLA ANYWHERE, AT ANYTIME ON YOUR TABLET, SMARTPHONE, MAC AND PC. www.designanguilla.com/digital

Dwight’s Painting MOUNT FORTUNE EAST END ANGUILLA, BWI (264) 772-4230 dwightspainting@hotmail.com

If you could have anyone, living or dead, over for dinner, which five would be at the table?

Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, Albert Einstein, Plato...then there would be a toss up between Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed.

That would be a tough one.

No living person?

No! I can see them any time. One of the great privileges of my profession is that I’ve actually gotten meet, or have dinner with, a lot of people that I would have really wanted to: great thinkers, cultural and political figures; it’s kind of a combination of the cultural work that we do. Being in New York, you get to meet very interesting people and have interesting conversations. That’s what makes life very rich.

What is the one word you’d use to sell Lee Skolnick?

He pauses for a few seconds.

Epiphanies. That’s what I try to create. I’ve written a lot about epiphanies and the dictionary’s definition is ‘an understanding of different things that come together to create a revelation’. It’s not that you’re creating something new, it’s about helping people realize something that they didn’t realize before...to rethink and recombine it into something useful.

Lloyd’s Bed & Breakfast is located on Crocus Hill, three minutes walk to Crocus Bay. Lloyd’s is elegant with a repetition of architectural detail patterns, creative airflow and strong relationship between indoor/ outdoor spaces.

The subtle hand craftsmanship seen thoughout the property is engaging.

Clear, cozy, crisp, classic - this is what you will find. “A modern take on the 1950’s”.

It is always our pleasure to serve you at Lloyd’s.

Ph: 1.264.497.2351 Fax: 1.264.497.3028 Email: lloyds@anguillanet.com

DRAWINGBOARD

zemi

conscious TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter

PHOTOS: Zemi Beach Resort

LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL WILL TRANSFORM SHOAL BAY BEACH.

www.designanguilla.com

The under-construction Zemi Beach Resort is adopting a sustainable approach to design and construction: utilizing natural materials, a local labour force, embracing the outdoors and minimizing the impact on the environment.

S

ited along 1000ft of the world-famous Shoal Bay beach, Zemi Beach Resort aims to supplement the already-lengthy list of beautiful, luxury properties on the island of Anguilla. Since 1959, the Goldstein family has been responsible for the construction and management of thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial and industrial property in the United States. Zemi Beach Resort marks their first foray into the Caribbean.

36 | DESIGNANGUILLA

The resort will consist of 73 residences of one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. To execute their vision, the Goldsteins enlisted Lane Pettigrew, the award-winning architect based in St. Lucia. His firm’s extensive portfolio includes dozens of homes and resorts in more than 20 countries. Mariel Ascencio, of Santo Domingo-based Mav Studio, was tasked with designing the interiors. Mav Studio has completed resort, residential and development projects in a number of Caribbean countries, their latest triumph being the

with a neutral, earthy palette were chosen to complement and advance this natural look and feel. The exterior spaces are clad in coral stone, whilst porcelain and travertine tiles line the main indoor living spaces. Warmth is added to the bedroom floors by using Brazilian hardwood. continued on 39

top: The topography of the site allows for views out to the Caribbean Sea for every one of Zemi Beach’s residences.

An oceanfront restaurant at the far left of the picture promises to offer a culinary treat for all taste buds.

The

restaurant is designed to offer three distinct dining experiences, including fine dining , a grill station as well as a beach deck for lighter fare.

www.designanguilla.com

Residences at Sugar Beach in St. Lucia.

The result is a refined, modern interpretation of traditional Caribbean style with sweeping verandas and graceful roof lines. Natural materials play a very prominent role in shaping the design. Cedar-shingled roofs – a respectful nod to the Caribbean’s iconic Georgian architecture, along

AUG-OCT 2012 | 37

top left and middle: Celebrating the outdoors, each Residential unit will have a private pool , as well as views over the Fountain National Park or the Shoal Bay beach. left: Granite countertops atop custom cabinetry along with stainless steel appliances outfit the kitchen.

top right: View from hotel spa. Spa includes treatment rooms, indoor/ outdoor pool with elevated gazebos, health bar,

Jacuzzi and plunge pools

far right: This infinity-edged pool is one of three main pools within the resort.

continued from 37

A marked indoor-outdoor approach was adopted with large glass doors and windows flanked by Cedar jalousies (louvres). Additionally, natural ventilation is utilized as much as possible in order to take advantage of the ocean breezes. Undescoring the connection with the outdoors, each residential unit will have a private pool.

Visitors to the hotel will have access to the property’s three main pools.

The developers signalled their intent to keep the development minimally intrusive on the natural environment by incorporating stormcontinued on 41

DRAWINGBOARD

a

e

right: Zemi Beach Master Plan. The 5.25 acres of the property are expertly manipulated to create a compact layout that leaves plenty of open space.

www.designanguilla.com

A. Main Entrance B. Service Entry C. Back of House D. Plant Nursery E. Reception Pavilion F. Residence Block #5 G. Gym H. Residence Block #2 I. Residence Block #1 J. Residence Block #6 K. Zemi Beach Spa L. Residence Block #3 M. Zemi Beach Hotel N. Residence Block #4 O. Main Pools P. Beachfront Restaurant Q. Residence Block #10 R. Residence Block #9 S. Residence Block #8 T. Residence Block #7

40 | DESIGNANGUILLA

c d b

g

f

h i k

j l p m n

q

r

o

s

t

opposite page & above: Spaces are softened by the inclusion of natural

Caribbean materials and elements such as Cedar louvered panels, hardwood and coral stone flooring .

and wastewater collection and treatment systems for irrigation reuse.

Indigenous plants, significant trees and natural stone formations were either repositioned, or preserved in their original locations. Additionally, solar water heaters are being used to reduce energy consumption.

The approach to construction on Zemi Beach has been a deliberate, measured one with work being done in three phases. No doubt the cautionary tale made up of numerous stalled developments during the recent property boom has been heeded. Construction for Phase 1 of the development is well underway with residence building #1 approaching completion. This will be marked by an open house in September 2012. Buildings #3 and

#5 will be completed by June 2013.

Phase 2 will involve buildings #2, #4, and #6, as well as the restaurant, gym, spa, pools and landscaping, and will be completed by October 2014.

This milestone will coincide with the resort’s “soft opening”. The remaining buildings will be completed in 2016, when the resort will be opened fully.

Zemi Beach’s emergence is timely, considering the devastating effects the global recession has had on property markets worldwide. It is expected that 300 workers will be needed over the course of construction, with an additional 175 being employed once the resort is operational.

The project’s success should benefit the local property, construction and tourism markets in the short, medium and longer term.

www.designanguilla.com

continued from 39

AUG-OCT 2012 | 41

PHOTO: FRIEDERIKE PAETZOLD

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Highball Not

Required TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter

PHOTOS: Friederike Paetzold and Orrett H. Wynter

LAID BACK LUXURY VILLA ON A SECLUDED BEACH. Always eager to trade the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for flip-flops and shorts, this New York couple decided to create their own island getaway. Designed to epitomise the relaxation that embodies Anguillian life, Tequila Sunrise villa is a contemporary exploration of beachfront living.

42 | DESIGNANGUILLA

few reams of sketch paper, Joel recalls “Sugar George” pointing out that a more dramatic location was needed.

The site at Dropsey Bay placed them mere steps from a wonderful beach, with no noisy neighbours and a sunset view of St. Martin.

Shortly after breaking ground, interior designer Maris Edwards was brought on board to complete the group which, by then, also included builder Leroy Gumbs of Leeward Construction and project manager Fritz Smith of FGS Consulting.

The team then set about creating the architectural equivalent of a white canvas. “Robin was certain she

wanted the villa to be white, clean, contemporary, infused with a sense of the Caribbean,” Maris recalls. Joel and Robin cited Covecastles Resort, designed by the esteemed Myron Goldfinger, as a major inspiration for the design.

Clean lines, wide open spaces and plenty of natural light are the main attractions. The floor plan does little to reveal the cleverness of the design.

The form is simple, the volumes created and the spatial relationships aren’t particularly acrobatic; nevertheless the effect is quite succinct. The white walls present the continued on 45

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T

he low evening sun casts long shadows across the deck. Taking a sip from my ice-cold tumbler of water as the crisp ocean breeze flaps the pages of my notepad, it’s very easy to forget that it’s only Tuesday.

Sitting pool side at Tequila Sunrise Villa, one can’t help but think that this was precisely the effect that Joel and Robin Globus intended when they started building in 2006.

Frequent visitors to Anguilla for over a decade, they enlisted architectural designer Ian “Sugar George” Edwards to create their island home. After identifying a lot in Sile Bay and laying waste to, quite possibly, a

AUG-OCT 2012 | 43

“It was important to make the most of the coastal LOCATION...as well as bringing the OUTDOORS INSIDE.”

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

- Ian “Sugar George” Edwards

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

continued from 43

large, white, wave-patterned wall panel offers some drama to the only solid wall in the living space. Stretching upwards into the gallery space, it draws attention, had you not already noticed, to an interesting sculptural copper chandelier designed by Joel, who is an electrical contractor.

The bright tropical colours play out an interesting dance of contrasts with the white walls and ceilings. The travertine tile throughout the house adds warmth underfoot without more visual clutter.

“Robin wanted bright colours,” said Maris. “I had to temper this need for colour with the need to create a calm and contemporary space.

Having the master bedroom above meant a more intimate feel within the kitchen and dining areas, compared continued on 46

opposite page: The walkway to the upper bedrooms overlook the doubleheight living room which is flooded with light from the large window panels to the left.

Brightly coloured fabrics create a sharp contrast with the stark white walls and neutral floor.

A tall, wave-patterned wall panel stretches the height of the back wall and highlights the sculptural copper chandelier designed by

Joel.

above: The open floor plan allows the main living spaces to flow into each other.

Joel would not have been

content had there not been a tequila dispenser in the kitchen.

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perfect setting for the exploration of colour and texture within the spaces.

The pool was designed to be the main focus of the entire home with all living spaces on the lower level opening directly onto the deck. An alfresco dining area, complete with barbecue grill, adjoins the formal dining space and flanks the shallow end of the infinity pool. The bedrooms on the upper level have balconies that overlook the deck as well. Numerous chaises line the pool edge and reinforce the fact that it is the Globus’ favourite space.

“We entertain a lot,” says Robin. “We have friends over all the time.”

Inside, the dark-stained furniture designed by Maris provides a visual anchor and sets up an interesting context for the sharp contrast of the colourful fabrics and white walls. A

AUG-OCT 2012 | 45

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

continued from 45

to the very bright and open living room. Green-tinted glass panels in the cabinets add a striking dash of colour to the kitchen, which is carried through to the glass mosaic tiles that form the backsplash.

The bathrooms each have their own character, with particular attention to detail. Dark wooden vanities are topped with glass vessel sinks, served by waterfall faucets.

The freestanding bathtubs are more furniture than fixture. Large glass panels let in plenty of light, as well as provide access to the outdoor showers that supplement each bathroom. Each bath is also fairly expansive, with a focus on simplicity that exhibits a hint of Asian inspiration.

“Tequila is a global creation,” Maris explains. “Asia, North America, Europe, the Caribbean – sited in Anguilla.”

“The bedroom and living room furniture were manufactured in Indonesia. The large copper chandelier in the living room was made by a welder in St. Maarten. The television cabinet and the iron gates were made in Anguilla, and the travertine tiles are from Italy.” she said. continued on 49

this page top: Modern wicker chairs and a heavy, wooden dining table lend textural drama to the formal dining room which, like all the other living spaces, opens onto the pool deck.

this page middle and bottom: The bedrooms are similarly outfitted with minimalist furnishings along with small

PHOTO: FRIEDERIKE PAETZOLD

dashes of colour to complement the white walls and bed linen.

Each bedroom opens on to a private deck overlooking the pool , and also offering views to St. Martin/St. Maarten. next page: The spacious pool deck, which is essentially a series of covered, and uncovered outdoor “rooms”, unsurprisingly, seems to be the favourite space.

Globus’

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

“We ENTERTAIN a lot.

We have FRIENDS over all the time.”

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

- Robin Globus

AUG-OCT 2012 | 47

48 | DESIGNANGUILLA

PHOTO: FRIEDERIKE PAETZOLD

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: FRIEDERIKE PAETZOLD PHOTO: FRIEDERIKE PAETZOLD

PHOTO: ORRETT H. WYNTER

continued from 46

- Maris Edwards

far left: The expansive master bathroom opens onto a large outdoor shower.

The standalone bathtub bears more of a resemblance to modern furniture than it does to bath fixture.

top and above left: Colourful glass vessel sinks on wooden vanities underline the elegant, uncluttered nature of the design.

above right: Billy, the home’s mascot, stands guard at the entrance. Bought from a fabric shop that was going out of business, the stuffed animal caused quite a stir going through customs.

According to Joel, “Everyone kept asking about this goat that was inside a box”.

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“What Tequila Sunrise is right now is the CONCEPT we started with. There were no major DEVIATIONS from the BIG PICTURE.”

Assembling the entire team from the beginning helped to mitigate many of the usual problems of construction.

The designers and owners point to the fact that there was a clear vision at the beginning, which guided all their actions during the project.

“The process was a high energy, creative and collaborative experience,” “Sugar George” explains, “the Globuses wanted to capture a contemporary and refreshing ambience and I think we accomplished this. It was important to make the most of the location, the ocean breezes and stunning views, as well as bringing the outdoors inside.”

“What Tequila Sunrise is right now is the concept we started with,” Maris concludes, “there were no changes to the big picture. I guess the addition of the goat was the major deviation!”

AUG-OCT 2012 | 49

Becoming

Áni-Mated TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter

PHOTOS: Thierry Dehove, James Wilkins and Patrick Mulcahy

UBER-MODERN HIDEAWAY REVELS IN ITS CLIFF-TOP LOCATION. When a transplanted couple and an award-winning architect team up to push the boundaries of Anguillian architecture, they ended up creating an unashamedly modern, cliff-top villa that fully embraces outdoor living.

www.designanguilla.com

T

he path that led to the creation of Ani Villas was anything but straightforward. Hailing from Denmark, Bonnie Bloom met her husband Ira, himself from NYC, whilst both were working in China. Deciding on a change of pace, they considered developing property in Indonesia but were dissuaded by the 2004 tsunami that hit that region. Returning to NYC, Ira’s mother, who was preparing to build in Anguilla, suggested they tag

50 | DESIGNANGUILLA

along. The rest, as they say, is history.

“We just loved the views from this side of the island,” says Bonnie of their choice of location. A walk around the untouched site provided all the inspiration they would need to develop the project.

“We took pictures of some of the stone and dried wood and other elements of the raw site, and said that this would be our palette.” continued on 53

right: The entry to each villa was designed to create privacy inside with the use of solid walls of concrete and stone.

The stacking of the stone pieces as well as horizontal wooden siding strengthens the layered look that was desired by the architect.

“...there has to be an Anguillian DESIGN LANGUAGE that isn’t the same everywhere, but that can feel TRUE to the site...”

PHOTO: JAMES WILKINS AND PATRICK MULCAHY

- Lee H. Skolnick

PHOTO: JAMES WILKINS AND PATRICK MULCAHY

PHOTO: THIERRY DEHOVE PHOTO: THIERRY DEHOVE

opposite page: Found in Indonesia, this Suar wood tree trunk table weighs a hefty 1600lbs. The steel base was fabricated in New york. this page, top: A trip to Indonesia provided Bonnie with some very unique furniture pieces such as this coffee table

PHOTO: THIERRY DEHOVE

made from a weathered

Teak root.

this page, middle: The design incorporates an indoor/outdoor theme with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that open to decks and balconies. this page, bottom: Travertine and Caeserstone surfaces are ideal materials to maintain the clean, modern look in the bathrooms.

“We took pictures of some of the STONE and dried WOOD on the site...and said that this would be our PALETTE.” - Bonnie Bloom

Having worked with Lee Skolnick previously to build Kamique Villas (which was subsequently sold), the couple again called on the New York architect to help them create another impressive project.

“We could have gone two ways,” Skolnick says of the design. “We could try to hide them (the buildings), or just accept the fact that this was a dramatic site and it deserved to have a very dramatic villa up there.”

Approaching the property gives little impression of what hides beyond

the walls. Once inside either building, however, the view is thrust upon you through the expansive use of glass.

This suspense and sense of journey were very deliberate.

“We wanted privacy on approach, so it’s more solid on the approach side and then opening out with the glass to bring that view in… As you ascend, each turn offers a different view, and the higher you go the more spectacular the view, and then you wind up on the roof where there are no walls, just 360 degrees with a shade

structure,” Skolnick explains. “The drama really appealed to me and the way that we used the stone makes it feel like it’s growing out of the cliffs, and then as you go up it becomes lighter. I was inspired by the layering of the rock (on the cliff) and just continuing that vertical ascension.”

Design decisions were greatly influenced by the need to exploit the available views. Indeed, all the major spaces within each villa open to the outside, with large floor-to-ceiling continued on 54

www.designanguilla.com

continued from 50

AUG-OCT 2012 | 53

“...how can you be in a place like this and not just want to LIVE OUTSIDE...?”

- Lee H. Skolnick

www.designanguilla.com

continued from 53

glass panels to frame spectacular views across the cliff.

“How can you be in a place like this (Anguilla) and not just, basically, want to live outside?” Skolnick asks.

“Everything I’ve done on the island, it’s all about inside/outside living and that’s what I tried to do with Ani.” Whilst sharing a similar motif, the two buildings were envisioned with their own character. The south villa owes its handicap-accessibility to the

54 | DESIGNANGUILLA

addition of an investor, himself in a wheelchair, to the development team late in the design stages. A rethink of the design reduced the number of floor level changes and incorporated ramps, accessible showers, a pool lift and even an elevator.

Notwithstanding the compromises that often have to be negotiated when local availability is considered, Skolnick and the Blooms were very specific about material choices. One of the

biggest challenges was sourcing the glass panels, which had to be impact resistant for hurricane protection, but still retain a trim profile. The panels were sourced from Europe which, as Skolnick pointed out, was a very uneasy proposition. “It’s made a thousand miles away, so if something doesn’t fit, you can’t just send it back.”

A muted colour palette, combined with the minimalist appointment of continued on 56

PHOTO: THIERRY DEHOVE PHOTO: THIERRY DEHOVE

PHOTO: JAMES WILKINS AND PATRICK MULCAHY

opposite page: The pool deck comes alive at night with an interplay of shadow and light on the surfaces of concrete, water and wood.

offering expansive views across the cliff.

this page, middle: Glass panels and wooden elements help to make the buildings less imposing than their fourstorey heights would suggest.

this page, bottom: Stone, wood, concrete and fabrics interact seamlessly in this poolside cabana .

PHOTO: THIERRY DEHOVE

this page, top: At the top level of each villa is a pergola-covered deck

“...it wasn’t about making a MODERN OBJECT. It was about making something that FRAMES the use of the LANDSCAPE...”

- Lee H. Skolnick

www.designanguilla.com

continued from 54

the spaces, definition had to be given to each room through injections of colour in furniture pieces and fabrics.

“We worked closely to develop a modern, yet rustic, organic feeling that would tie it back to the land,” said Skolnick. Taking on the role of interior designer, Bonnie took a two-week trip to Bali, Indonesia, to source furniture,

56 | DESIGNANGUILLA

fixtures and art.

“We just bought everything there and shipped them in a container… saving quite a bit in the process,” she explains. Her selection contains a few interesting, and certainly original pieces, including a few coffee tables and end tables that are actually tree stumps of thousand-year-old

petrified wood. The dining table in the south villa was custom built from a massive Suar Wood trunk with a steel base. A hardwood harvested from the Indonesian jungle, the table top weighs an incredible 1600 lbs.

Commenting on the design intent, Skolnick becomes philosophical, “With the work I’ve done on the island,

harmony with the terrain and seem to grow out of the rocks on the cliffs.

development team we went the extra mile to realize the vision. With traditional architecture you can cover up certain things with mouldings and other stuff, but in modern architecture, that’s not an option. If you take the concept and start dumbing it down, it becomes nothing, so I am happy it reached its potential.”

www.designanguilla.com

PHOTO: JAMES WILKINS AND PATRICK MULCAHY

above: This panoramic view of the site captures the essence of the architect’s design intent. The buildings work in

each time I’m searching for another kind of truth. I’m not interested in doing a Moroccan or Greek style, to me there has to be an Anguillian design language that isn’t the same everywhere, but that can feel true to the site,” he says.

“It’s become one of my favourite projects, because I think as a

AUG-OCT 2012 | 57

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