Designed right next to the island’s international airport, Natura’s Residences adopted the axis of the runway since its clearly visible from the building which ended making it much easier for the project to cope with the airspace regulations. The linear array of the apartments was a result of the mandatory cross ventilation required for a limited capacity power grid, and a complex water recycling system made it possible for the building to even return treated waters back to the island’s network.

The project has been a great opportunity for the studio to learn about the potential of steel framed structural systems for residential multi-family developments. The thinner sections on all structural elements: slabs, columns and beams allow for a much more efficient use of the building’s footprint, less surface is wasted on the apartments dividing walls, as well as less thickness is required for the building’s outer shell.

Challenged with the salty weather of the Caribbean, the design team chose to treat the steel skeleton as if it were an old-fashioned concrete core and is finishing all its walls and floors with cinder block and masonry elements resulting in the ultimate waterproofing and rust protecting coat for the harsh atmosphere.

Location: Bel-Nem, Bonaire