In 2002, AMD were asked to design a new, exclusive house / mini-hotel for a client.

The brief was to make the most of the five and a half acre virgin bushland site on the side of a small volcanic mountain, approximately 60 metres above sea level, facing the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean and a steady on-shore breeze. AMD took the project through concept, planning and (currently) onsite stages.

Background

St. Vincent and The Grenadines
2002 to the Present

Mustique is an exclusive, privately-owned holiday island leased from St. Vincent and The Grenadines, situated 12° north of the equator, not far from Barbados and the north-eastern corner of South America. Unfortunately it is also in an earthquake zone and is prone to tropical hurricanes. It has no natural water supply and virtually all building materials must be brought in by sea.

It has been an interesting challenge for us, a small firm of interior designers and architects, who specialise in high-quality, retail interior projects, but who pride ourselves on being able to rise to any design challenge.

The Design

Working in conjunction with I & J Bannerman as well as the client’s in-house project manager and a small contingent of specialist consultants, the project is currently on site and taking shape.

The client required a Palladian-style villa, adapted for tropical living, with historically authentic construction and details.

The final design consists of over 15,000 square feet (over 450 square metres) of luxury accommodation for just twelve guests, with swimming pool, plunge pool and pool cave, outdoor eating pavilion, roof terraces and landscaped grounds. There is also accommodation for the permanent staff of six (Cook, Butler, two Maids, Gardener and Maintenance Manager).

Mexican limestone, local hardwood and reinforced concrete feature prominently in the construction, with the structural requirements of building in an earthquake and hurricane zone, creating complex requirements and robust solutions.

Less evident in the final scheme will be the sustainable energy systems and ecologically friendly design features. Air source heat pumps and solar hot water panels heat all the domestic hot water as well as the swimming pool water, which otherwise is cooled by the evaporative effect of the constant sea breeze. All rain water and surface runoff water is collected in large underground tanks as well as all waste water being recycled with an on-site sewage treatment plant. There is also an ingenious use of a reverse underfloor heating system designed to pre-heat the swimming pool water whilst also cooling the pool terrace paving.

Reclaimed and traditional materials and finishes also feature: including terra cotta roof tiles from Italy and reclaimed marble slabs and terra cotta pavers from southern France. Antique and locally-sourced furniture and landscape elements including fountains and statues will also feature in the completed project.

Photos of one of the sketch models that we made in the conceptual/planning stage.