Client: private
Program: urban plan
Status: competition
Royal Palm, Curacao
2020
Royal Palm Curacao
Heren2 developed a master plan for this area. Inspired by the area’s unique natural and historical value, this plan serves as the foundation for our approach and has received a positive assessment from the Ministry of Transport, Traffic, and Spatial Planning (VVRP).
Placing the blocks
Research by Ecovision revealed the lagoon’s potential for ecological restoration. Surrounded by mangroves, the lagoon is expected to foster increased biodiversity as water quality improves after the decommissioning of the water plant. The report also showed trees that need to be preserved. We have taken this into account as much as possible, ensuring protection and enhancement of the area’s flora and fauna.
This project is situated in a hilly landscape, next to the sea. We have used the natural elevation to still guarantee a view from the existing Charo neighborhood to the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. That is why we’ve placed the residential towers strategically and grouped them into clusters, creating open spaces and a rhythmic interplay with the surrounding landscape.
The ensemble of 9 towers is placed in two groups, one of four and one of five, meandering in the landscape. Both groups start and end with a high tower. You reach the towers via a winding road, which was determined by looking for the solution with the least digging. The basis for each tower are blocks in the landscape, which have been given their position from our spatial analysis. We have split the blocks open to place the vertical circulation between the volumes and that everyone driving by can still experience the view. An additional advantage to this, is that you good cross ventilation in this space.
Designing the homes
Furthermore, the principles from the urban development analysis are continued in the architecture. We also want to stagger the residential tower itself in order to interact with the outside. We do this by using staggered terraces, these enhance the dynamics of the building and establish a strong relationship with the landscape. Each tower hosts 2 apartments on each floor, with in total makes about 60 apartments. All designed with flexibility in layout, supported by traditional construction methods, including masonry walls and reinforced concrete where necessary.
The towers incorporate technical spaces adjacent to central access points, housing essential utilities like electrical panels and boilers. There is also attention for sustainability in our plan. Cooling systems are thoughtfully planned, with outdoor units placed on rooftops or ground levels of tall towers. Rainwater harvesting tanks beneath the residences leverage elevation differences, supplying water for irrigation, pools, and even toilets if required.
Our plan for Royal Palm Curacao harmoniously blends nature and modern Caribbean architecture with the existing neighborhoods. We are proud of our plan, in which we showcase how to combine new developments with the wishes and characteristics of existing residential areas. However, another party has been assigned to design and execute this project.
Team
Lyongo Juliana
Kendra Heide
Liwen Zhang
Ifigenia Riga