Residential Property Situated in Christ Church, Barbados
Award-Winning HOME Embraces Sustainable Design in Barbados
Nestled in the heart of Inch Marlowe, Christ Church, Barbados, the contemporary 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom HOME stands as a testament to modern and sustainable architecture. Completed in late 2018, this striking property was designed by Studio Blue Architects, a firm renowned for their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability.
The house, elevated on a concrete plinth to offer panoramic views over the sand dunes and avoid flooding, boasts a unique architectural design. Cantilevered floor plates separated by aluminum fenestration, a dark grey circulation volume, and a striking red stair tower characterize its exterior. This layout, combined with the house's orientation, allows it to turn its back on the hot afternoon sun from the west, embracing cooling Trade winds and ocean views from the east.
The open plan layouts and louver windows in HOME facilitate natural daylighting and passive cooling through cross ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical air conditioning. The building's form, featuring cantilevered balconies and roof slabs, maximizes shading and minimizes heat gain, further reducing energy requirements.
Efficient LED light fixtures, a solar water heater, and a 5Kw photovoltaic system are among the energy-saving features in the house. Water consumption is addressed with efficient faucets and low/dual flush toilets. Rainwater is harvested and re-used for irrigation and other secondary purposes, contributing to a comfortable microclimate that utilizes native, drought-tolerant species, an array of fruit trees, and edible plants.
The design of HOME faced challenges due to its location near the sea and the corrosive sea air. To address these issues, all materials, fittings, and fixtures were chosen with the corrosive environment in mind. Paint finishes were selected for their zero VOC content.
Studio Blue Architects, who had previously designed a contemporary house called "Inch Cubed" across the street from the client's lot, were approached after the initial client had already purchased the land and was seeking an architect to design their retirement HOME. The brief required the dwelling to be minimalist/contemporary in style, blur the boundaries between the inside and outside, maintain privacy and security, and be positioned to maximize views of the sand dunes and the ocean.
The design team had to resolve the fenestration on the eastern and southern sides of the first-floor bedrooms to cater for natural ventilation, climate control, hurricane protection, privacy, and security. Despite these challenges, Studio Blue Architects consider HOME as a showcase of contemporary and sustainable design, which is not very common in residential projects in Barbados.
In 2019, HOME was recognized by the International Property Awards, confirming that Studio Blue Architects can deliver a quality product recognized on an international level. This accolade adds to the firm's growing reputation as a pioneer in sustainable architecture in Barbados and beyond.
