the sail house

The Sail House is a dappled array of structures consisting of a main residence and several guesthouses. The project is named for the nautical-inspired tensile roofs, which are forms that are a contextual response to the sailing culture of the Grenadines, as well as environmental building systems. The roof membranes provide shade from the equatorial sun and collect water. Rain and condensate are directed into the structural masts, funneling water into concrete foundations that dually function as cisterns. The buildings’ yearlong water needs are produced on-site in this manner, proving that resilience can be both beautiful and tactical. Considering the difficulty of construction in the Caribbean, the buildings are all prefabricated and flat-packed to the island.

Watch David’s Facebook Live Tour of the Sail House

AWARDS:

2021 Jury Winner in the prestigious Architizer A+Awards, Private House (XL >6000 sq ft) category

2022 Highest Honor Award as the best Large Single Family Residential in the AIALA Residential Architecture Awards

Project Details

Location: Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Typology: Residential

Program: Main house and auxiliary rental units

Sustainable Features:

  • Stormwater collection

  • Reclaimed wood

  • Passive ventilation

  • Photovoltaic panels

Fabrication: Toma House

Photography: Kevin Scott