Villas Suluwilo on Vamizi Island by COA

Cape Town-based studio COA has designed the Villas Suluwilo on Vamazi Island, Mozambique.

Located on a two acres lot, the private resort features four villas, each with private deck and exclusive beach front access to take full advantage of the spectacular sunsets and sea views.

Sleeping up to fourteen people the villas are perfect for larger family groups, friends travelling together or for individuals wanting their own private hide-away.

A spectacular drawing room, a dining room and hardwood decks surrounding the salt water plunge pool offer a variety of options for eating, drinking and just being “Vamizi style.”

For more information about these very exclusive private villas, visit Vamizi Island website.

Villa Suluwilo by COA:

“The use of simple linear plan forms, broken up into pavilions to accommodate the natural vegetation and site features dominate the layout. While the living courtyards, solid clay wall elements, open air bathrooms, “cooling” planted water features, connecting walkways, daybeds etc all have strong similarities to the Traditional Villa, it is the more creative ‘organic’ roof and the utilization of the roof space that is the essential difference in the design.

The roof lines were inspired both by the organic shell forms of the marine environment but also by the ubiquitous dhow sails seen all over the Quirimbas on the local fishing vessels. Such a roof was seen to introduce more interest and uniqueness and will be very responsive to cooling from the prevailing winds. The interlocking forms of the roofs provide additional shading on the north sides of the gables, and the sloping angle of the ridge line aids with passive cooling by allowing the warmer air to move along the ridge line and out of the gables.

The large ceiling space created by the 45-60 degree pitches are used for the Master Bedroom and Private study, both of which have elevated views of the sea while an upper level in the tower is bridged to the master suite forming a generous private bathroom.

It is proposed that certain portions of the second interlocking roof form shaded screens in order to create a variation in the possible shading opportunities within the dwelling.”

Ninety7 @ Siglap Road House by Aamer Architects

Singapore and Kuala Lumpur-based practice Aamer Architects has completed the Ninety7 @ Siglap project.

This award-winning tropical three-story curved house is located in Singapore and was designed for a bachelor and entrepreneur to accomodate his future family!

According to Aamer Taher, “He had very clear instructions on what his needs were and left the architectural form and style to us, only intervening on functional aspects of the design.”

This project won the 2011 SIA Architectural Design Award in the category Individual House.

Ninety7 @ Siglap Road by Aamer Architects:

“Magnificent views towards the city from atop Siglap Hill inspired the design. Master and family room are placed on the third level having the best views.

Living and Dining on the second level, connected with external verandahs / terraces that flow upwards and fold into the roof form with deep overhangs for sufficient shade and channeling the breeze through the whole house.

Two resort style ‘Cabana’ bedrooms are located on the ground level by the pool with a large open/covered terrace for poolside parties. A sculptural metal ‘drum’ anchors the ‘ship’ to the ground and houses the toilet/shower and barbeque pantry.

Roof gardens and timber decks provide added insulation from the sun.”

2011 SIA Architectural Design Awards Judges’ citation:

“The jury is impressed with the result of what was a very close collaboration between architect and owner, which turned out to be a very up-to-date take on a tropical language of architecture.

Once inside the house, the sensibilities and sensitivities in the spaces are apparent. The architect and the owner opted to locate the bedroom areas at the ground level, facing the pool in a private and exclusive cabana-style setting. The living and dining/entertainment areas were located at the second floor commanding the view towards the city. This arrangement gave rise to the opportunity to create the deep fluid-form patio areas which wraps around the spaces of the house. The patios doubled-up as extended entertainment areas and an environmental filter for the internal areas proper. The living areas are able to be fully opened up, back, side and front, to maximize the views and natural light and ventilation without fear of the sun and rain.

On its own, this is a beautifully crafted house. What it also does is to give its terraced neighbourhood a timely update by way of its unique and progressive but pleasantly white walled, modestly-scaled architectural presence.”