Seascape at the Brac
When we think of the tropics, the first thing that comes to mind is the climate; Sun that warms the water and illuminates the white sandy beaches. Trade winds rustle the palms. Humid warmth encourages the plantation coconuts to grow. The weather is a divine convenience, full of sensual suggestion, a fatalistic emotion runs through the islands of the Caribbean. A feeling that life is transient, that storms will pass and furies will fade, leaving behind what ever happens.
This Caribbean cottage is derived from the climate, but in order to survive, it must go well beyond our romantic views. The enjoyable warmth frequently develops into uncomfortable hot and humid tropical conditions. The gentle trade winds turn into uncomfortable squalls and even terrifying hurricanes. The spectacular turquoise sea is everywhere however fresh water is a scarce commodity. Services which we take for granted, such as electricity, water, and sewage, are virtually non existent, making self reliance a necessity for survival.
Seeking to enrich the architecture through cultivation of the tectonic, this project focuses on the simplicity, clarity, and expressive potential of the constructional and structural modes. These tectonic elements when combined with climate, localized site conditions, and economics, work together to create a comfortable beach front vacation home which is currently being processed for building permits on the Cayman Islands.
The temperatures and humidity on Cayman Brac create daily conditions that are above the human comfort zone. In this condition, wind movement and shade are critical for passive cooling at all times of the day.
In order to maximize cross ventilation, the plan is set perpendicular to the wind. All rooms have adjustable screened louvers on the windward and leeward sides. These louvers are fully opened during the night time, when the air temperature is slightly cooler, allowing the cross ventilation to remove heat. Since the heat energy is stored in the thermal mass of the materials, it can take several hours for the inside temperature to drop down a few degrees. During the day time, the cross ventilation is minimized, allowing the cooler thermal mass of the cistern to absorb the warmer interior air temperatures.
Ventilation also provides an important cooling effect on the occupant’s skin, as the moving air evaporates moisture through latent energy.
Open floor decking provides air flow from under the building. The air under the floor has been shaded and marginally cooled. On days with little or no wind pressure to drive the cross ventilation, this cooler air can be drawn from under the floor and into the rooms, through the process of stack ventilation.
Rain water collection is provided by maximizing the roof area and providing a well protected rain water gutter. With over 55 inches of rain fall per year, rain water collection is an economic viability.
