Utopian Island spaces

Utopian-Living-Room

Utopian-patio

by Carib. Architect Pedro F. Theye 
(T.J.T. Architecture Ltd. Cayman)

Friday,  November 25, 2005

Series: Architectural Review and Design Ideas for the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean

Lets face it, real “island living” is realized by finding or creating utopian spaces to live in. The main ingredients involve turquoise waters, cool breezes, hammocks in the shade and of course a pina colada in hand. The result is fantastic, big outdoor spaces shaded from the tropical sun allow you to relax the week’s worries away. 

After all what’s the point of living in the Caribbean if you don’t take advantage of creating your own utopian dream. Many of the islands’ new waterfront real estate which are currently on the market, like the one featured in the photos, promote space which are designed around comfort and relaxation. 

A covered verandah or patio is only as good as it creates shade. When building outdoor rooms it is critical to design around the sun’s exposure. If your patio faces the south you have already realized that the sun beats down on it constantly. Landscaping can help create a well shaded environment. A few Coconut palms or Mahoe trees can help create the much needed shade. Insect screen is another element to consider, although I personally avoid recommending them. Screens tend to kill the breeze and the open appeal of a verandah by keeping nature out. The unfortunate reality is that in most locations mosquitoes and flies create a constant nuance. There are new products on the market that help solve this problem…roll down insect screens. They function similar to roll down storm shutters, just push one button and down comes salvation from the blood-sucking swarms. 

Comfort in utopian patios has a lot to do with the furniture you select. Obviously pieces which are weather resistant with removable cushions is the way to go. IDG and Absolutely Fabulous are two local furniture stores that sell great furniture for the outdoors. Hammocks are essential, from traditional two-seaters to the single Cuban hanging basket as seen in the adjacent photo will allow the sea breeze to keep you cool. 

Don’t forget fans, sea breeze and trade winds are not always blowing so fans are essential for ensuring a pleasant day. The selection of outdoor fans on-island is limited so you may have to visit all the hardware shops to find the right ones. Just make sure you select weather resistant fans, even though next to the ocean they may only survive one or two seasons.
Pots and plants add a great deal to the overall feel. Always select plants that fit your sun, wind and sea breeze exposure. Bougainvillea, Mandevilla and Cryptostegia are great hardy vines that can wrap around the columns or posts. Potted plants like bamboo palms, Scaevolas and Seagrapes are great to soften the hardscape. Colourful plants like plumbago, hibiscus and allamanda will add to the eye candy. Fragrant flowers like night blooming jasmine or gardenias will fill the air with tropical scents. It is advisable to keep the potted plants in plastic pots as you may often find yourself moving them around to protect them against storm winds or just changing the stage set.

Nighttime is when utopian spaces become surreal. Candles located at the edge of the patio and a glass of wine goes well with lounge chairs or swinging hammocks. 

Music is another ingredient that completes the utopian scene. The covered patio shown in the photo is located next to the Grand Old House restaurant which luckily has classical piano music being played almost every evening adding to the atmosphere of the space. If your verandah is not strategically located next to a classical pianist then speakers hidden above or behind furniture and plants can mix your favorite sounds to the utopian recipe. If adding speakers don’t forget to select ones which are weather resistant. The doors leading to your outdoor retreat should be swinging French doors allowing the interior living areas to spill outside. Curtains on either side of the doors catching the breeze will also create the romantic “Out of Africa” feel. 

The covered utopian patio and condominium featured in the adjacent photos is currently for sale and is located in Caribbean Courts, South Sound. The sale of a single family home or condo can be dramatically enhanced with the addition of a feature outdoor room. Remember outdoor spaces you currently have, want to build or sell can be spiced up with surreal elements of utopia to fulfill your island living dreams.

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