Hòfi Vidanova is a residential area of 300 homes in Curacao. The project is divided in two phases, with 150 homes currently being built as part of Phase 1.

We’ve paid a lot of attention to making this a comfortable neighborhood where people can meet each other. Since people mainly meet each other outside in the Caribbean, we wanted to make this a nice area. That is why we’ve created different kinds of ‘hofi’s’ between the houses, which are small shared gardens. In each hofi local residents can meet, play and do sports.

Modern neighborhood

The new neighborhood is being developed on a 36-hectare site to the north of the existing neighborhood Schelpwijk. While the initial concept envisioned an open neighborhood, our client has opted for a gated entry. We wanted to create a welcoming gesture when you enter, that is why we’ve chose for an organic shaped entrance building. The construction consists of two walls; one coming from the existing neighborhood the other coming from the new one. Those are interconnected at the highest point through a big pergola.

There was a plan created for this neighborhood in order to guarantee the use of wind to it’s advantage and protect the houses from to the sun. All of the homes are positioned in a way to maximize the Northeast trade winds and optimize the air circulation.

We’ve designed three different type of houses, each with various extra options. The size of the houses varies between 95 m2 and 190 m2. Our aim was to create a contemporary Caribbean house design. If one thing exemplifies the Caribbean way of living it’s outdoor living. That is why our designs have a relatively narrow floor plan that embrace the terraces. This gives the terraces a certain level of protection and intimacy but still securing a free flow of air. Due to the narrow floor plans inside and outside are very much connected and it guarantee cross ventilation, no matter the orientation of the house.

You can take virtual tour through one of the homes.

Green areas and hofi’s

We have made three types of hofi’s. First, the local hofi’s – those are designed for residents to meet the people next door. Second: hòfi’s on the main route – designed to make people meet from the whole neighborhood. And last of all: special hofi’s – which are spaced with large differences in heights. Our plan includes a total of 27 hofi’s. To also realize this spatially, we’ve made a distinction between roads. The main routes are recognizable by the distinctive black pavement, which are meant for cars. The roads between the hofi’s are reserved for pedestrians, creating safe and inviting spaces. These parts are designed using yellow asphalt, making this cooler areas to move around.

Infrastructure and design are combined at the playgrounds at each hofi, which can flood during heavy rain. Water must infiltrate the soil via a reverse well within 6 days to prevent mosquito breeding, as their cycle is 7 days. This reverse well concept was tested during the design process.

With the hofi’s we wanted to add more green to the area. Our research into tropical climates shows that trees significantly cool the environment, making leafy neighborhoods feel 10 to 15 degrees Celsius cooler on hot, windless days compared to sun-exposed urban areas. This is why we’ve created so many inviting outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. In total there will be about 300 trees, 4,300 cacti and plants for public spaces. A couple of these public spaces will only be cleaned and pruned, in order to keep their existing trees.

Sun and water

In addition to enhancing the area with abundant greenery, we have prioritized sustainability throughout the project. The houses will get roof insulation to reduce the radiant heat that comes through the roof and big overhangs that protect the facade (openings) from direct sun penetration. We have used jalousie type windows (shutters) so that constant trade wind can be used for a more comfortable interior temperature. Besides these passive sustainable measures the houses also have five solar panels which is centrally harvested and both for individual use as for common use for instance the street lighting.

Each house of Hòfi Vidanova also has gray water pumps and the hydrophore (system for drinking water). Rainwater is collected in the green areas, which serve as a buffer during rainy periods to prevent the water from quickly flowing away. When the water is in the vicinity of a green area, this can create a cooling effect. There will also be a water buffer system, with underground tanks where water is stored. This not only helps to reduce water consumption, but also keeps the green spaces alive and healthy, even during periods of drought.

Our emphasis on sustainable solutions underscores our commitment to both the environment and the community’s long-term well-being.

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