04.30.2012 _ STEEL FRAMES

As previously mentioned, we are acquiring materials and pre-fabricating many components in Puerto Rico. Javier Santos, a local craftsman and artist, welded the galvanized steel frames for the Safari Box. We then cleaned the frames and primed them in preparation for the mahogany plywood infill. We will apply the final coats of paint on St. John. Currently, the galv-alum sheets for the exterior are being cut and folded, and we are purchasing the steel for the decks. 

04.20.2012 _ DETAIL STUDIES

04.17.2012 _ FUNCTION CONCEPTS

04.12.2012 _ SAFARI BOX

Designed as a minimal volume for outdoor living, the Safari Box is a simple volume with maximum function. It measures 4’-6” wide, 16’-8” long, and 7’-4” high. It is constructed of galvanized steel frames, Ipe floors, mahogany plywood walls and ceiling, and finally clad in galv-alum sheets. Unfortunately, the cost of virtually all materials and services on St. John are extremely high, so we are purchasing all materials in Puerto Rico and pre-fabricating many elements before shipping them to St. John for assembly.

As demonstrated above, the Safari Box will open to extend living functions to the exterior, as well as seal completely shut when we are off island or a hurricane strikes. In the latter scenario, the bed may be folded up against the back wall, and all equipment, materials, and outdoor furnishings can be securely stored indoors.

04.05.2012 _ CONCEPT STUDIES

In addition to the shading provided from the overhead tree canopy, a discarded sailboat sail stretches over the Upper Deck and Safari Box. Holes in the sail give way to the Bay Leaf trees and release the collected rainwater to a cistern located under the Upper Deck. Gray-water is also collected under the deck, and subsequently flows through a natural plant filter before being re-used to water fruit, vegetable, and herb gardens. A separate out-house will accommodate a compost toilet.

Due to the abundance of termites on the island and the occasional hurricane, we decided to construct the decks of strong, rigid components: concrete footings; galvanized steel posts, beams, and joists; and Brazilian Ipe decking.

03.17.2012 _ SITE & STUDIO

The Studio consists of two decks (Upper & Lower), and a rectangular volume that we have come to refer to as the “Safari Box”. The Lower Deck is primarily for light construction of future phases and prototype fabrication for future projects, while the Upper Deck serves as an exterior extension of the living functions from the Safari Box.

O3.03.2012 _ SITE PLAN

The overall purpose of this project is to construct a habitat that is in balance with the environment, where we can live, conduct research, construct ideas, and accommodate visitors to the island. The project is divided into 3 phases:

PHASE 1: STUDIO & SITE INFRASTRUCTURE

This first phase provides 3 base elements needed for the development of the property: vehicular access from Bordeaux Mountain Road; level area to work; and an enclosure for temporary living and storage. All work for this phase is located on the eastern end of the site, where the slope is the most gentle and the road is nearly level with the edge of the property. From here, we can construct a driveway and transport materials directly onto the construction deck.

PHASE 2: GUEST HOUSE

The Guest House is located on the highest point of the property, with the widest views over the forested valley and down to the ocean. The function of this house is pure enjoyment. It will be available for weekly vacation rentals upon completion.

PHASE 3: MAIN HOUSE

The final phase comprises the building of our private residence. Once completed, the Studio will be converted into a full-time workshop for designpersquareinch.