Aligned with the island through framing views and welcoming winds
The challenge
For a newly acquired plot near the Spanish Water in Curaçao, a private client commissioned the design of a luxury holiday villa with two rental apartments and a private main residence. Beyond shaping a strong design vision, meeting building permit requirements and budget, the project had to account for the practical the realities of Caribbean island construction—limited materials, high sourcing costs, and pragmatic building methods favouring simplicity over precision.
The impact
Creating a contemporary villa in Jan Sofat, Curaçao’s most coveted waterfront neighbourhood, meant maximising the site's natural qualities. The layout was strategically organised to frame breathtaking views of the sea and the iconic Tafelberg, while ensuring optimal airflow and natural cooling by harnessing the prevailing winds. Sheltered outdoor spaces provide shade and protection from passing showers, creating a comfortable indoor-outdoor experience in all seasons. A striking central staircase serves as a defining architectural element.
Locally sourced materials, including limestone, clay, and quarried stone, were incorporated into the façade, outdoor spaces, and interior finishes, grounding the design in the island’s natural landscape. Given Curaçao’s endemic lack of fresh water, the villa integrates a rainwater collection system, capturing and storing runoff from heavy showers to sustain vegetation. The result is a refined, contemporary retreat that balances spaciousness and privacy, fully embracing its island setting.
The feedback
"Designing with Naomi was a great experience. Her precision, thorough preparation, and attention to detail made all the difference in designing this remarkable villa in Curaçao. What impressed me most was her empathy and dedication. With a deep understanding of the location, embracing the characteristics of the environment, she created a design that enhances the experience of Jan Sofat—especially in how it feels to live in. Every space offers a new view, a fresh perspective and an unexpected WOW moment."
