Sitting on the steepest site at Virgin Gorda’s Oil Nut Bay, Villa Maronti is the newly-completed residence designed by OBM International. This home is designed to be an architectural experience from beginning to end.
Connected to the land, sustainably constructed, immersed in the views and flexible for a range of variety of gatherings – Villa Maronti has a traditional soul expressed with contemporary architecture.
This beautiful home was carved into the steep mountainside using a 50% cut and fill approach as the site features 85-95% topographic slopes. This called for innovative design solutions to create a home that is not only soundly constructed but also honours the natural landscape of the island. The structure’s perched position adds drama to this Caribbean retreat while helping to minimize site impact.
The multiple terraces mimic the sloping hills of Virgin Gorda and provide a dramatic entrance to the villa; the motor court, garage and entry are all a full story above the rest of the residence.
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“The challenging angle of the incline inspired rather than limited our creativity. Designing for multiple levels allowed us to retain the natural landscape as much as possible while maximising living spaces and exclusive waterfront views,” said James McDonald, OBMI Senior Designer.
Sustainability is always a top priority in a Caribbean environment and extra special attention is paid to keeping conservation at the forefront of projects at Oil Nut Bay. A large green roof was utilized to retain a portion of the mountainside and will aid in capturing water runoff. Other terraces utilize standing seam copper roofs and gutters that collect water into a 12,000-gallon cistern. These gutters lead to artfully-concealed downspouts within the walls, reducing aesthetic distraction on the outside of the home.
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The home was designed to blend into its surrounding landscape so as to be virtually undetectable. The local stone cladding, wood details, and copper roofs practically blend into the surrounding rock, making it seem like it was always part of the landscape. The colours of the surrounding environment are reflected in the building’s materials, while broad expanses of glass bring hues of the sea into the interior.
An open-area great room provides ample seating in the living room, media room and dining room, all connected to a crisp and modern gourmet kitchen. Clean lines and minimal fuss make Villa Maronti a contemporary home that makes the ocean view the star of the show. Solid timber pickle-stained rafters and unique lighting fixtures draw the eye up without obstructing the view. Large sliding glass doors open onto a terrace that simply seems to melt into the blue horizon.
“As architects, we want all guests to feel at home while still including personal details about the homeowner,” said McDonald. “A homeowner’s style and personality can come through in aesthetic elements instead of personal photos and mementoes, elevating the property to a luxurious level.”
Light is also an important feature of Villa Maronti. While the outdoor sun can be harsh (and therefore the copper roofs and large verandas provide excellent shade during the daylight hours), natural light is abundant indoors, thanks to high ceilings, clerestory windows and expansive views of the Caribbean.
The master suite is more than a suite – it’s a calm and cool sanctuary. Featuring its own office and media room, the master suite can be completely isolated from the rest of the residence. A huge stone his-and-her shower has a beautiful view of the sea and the private terrace. If a dose of nature is needed, bathers can enjoy a shower or tub soak on the secluded outdoor bath terrace.
Covered breezeways access stairways leading to additional spaces including four expansive bedrooms. Each bedroom features bright, natural light, spectacular views, en suite baths and private outdoor terraces. Guests won’t want to leave with the stunning sunset views right outside the door.
In addition to unforgettable sunsets, the west side of the home houses the breathtaking infinity pool, taking full advantage of the sun exposure and appears to extend the house right out into the sea. The pool terrace also has an outdoor grill bar area and jacuzzi, ideal for guests to gather in the tranquil surroundings.
The home is as functional as it is breathtaking. The villa is equipped with a state-of-the-art automation system, which controls the music, video, light, and shade systems all from a smart device. With every amenity beautifully packaged into a spacious yet cosy slice of luxury, home at Villa Maronti is BVI living at its best.
About OBMI
OBMI is a global architecture and master planning firm widely celebrated for the design of distinctive high-end resorts and hotels, bespoke residences, and engaging urban areas. Since 1936, our mission has been to collaborate with clients to transform their visions into three-dimensional forms that are authentic, unique, and incomparably marketable. With architecture studios around the world and local experts on the ground, we’re the international design firm in your backyard.
