This project integrates a dense community of housing into a steeply
sloped tropical jungle. Filled with mature indigenous trees, the
vegetation creates a dynamic environment of changing distances and
exclusive views to the beach below and the dramatic horizon beyond.A total of 17 villas are perched above the landscape atop concrete
stilts and are interconnected by a system of elevated footbridges. By
limiting the construction of retaining walls or re-grading, the
architecture enhances the experience of the dramatic geography of a
steep and curving slope. To preserve the topography and the trees,
driving access is restricted to the high edge of the site, and the
valley is spanned with a series of pedestrian foot-bridges which are
oriented exactly north-south. The housing is distributed along the
bridges in small-footprint/low-impact buildings and connected down to
the beach with a network of pathways on the ground. Entering the site
along a footbridge, one would find oneself immersed in the tree canopy
20m above grade.Using modest local materials and construction techniques, the villas
are simple concrete and glass boxes wrapped on 4 sides with a bamboo
screen. Their strict geometries, by juxtaposition, accentuate the
dynamic landform and jungle.
