Switenia - Residential Design

CLIENT BRIEF: The project was to create a music retreat center located on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat. The island of Montserrat previously was the home to the music studio ‘Associated Independent Recording’ (AIR). AIR music studio was the “epicenter of the international music scene where musicians like Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney used to record their albums” (Uni). The music produced at AIR created a communal experience between the locals and artists. It was where over sixty albums were recorded by legendary musicians (Nessy). Devastatingly, in 1995, the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat erupted. This volcano led to evacuation of the island and specifically, where the AIR music studio was located, is now labeled as an exclusion zone. Today, the music studio is still abandoned and is engulfed by vegetation. Twenty years later the island of Monserrat’s economy and landscape has been revived since the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption. As a result, the inhabitants and the government are seeking to design a new music studio space that holds the same prestige as the AIR music studio. This new music retreat center is part of the design competition entitled, ‘Tropical House’. The winner of the competition will be awarded a $20,000.00 grant towards building their music retreat center (Uni). ------------------------- DESIGN CONCEPT: The design of the Switenia accommodation spaces is to designed to create tranquility, relaxation and creative inspiration. The design will allow for the music residents to come into the space feeling relaxed, at home and to transport into a different creative space. The focus of the design will be on modernism and minimalism. The design will instill simplicity and clean lines in order to not over complicate the minds of the music residents. High ceilings and floor to ceiling glass windows will be located throughout the design in order to create bright, open and spacious spaces. Unique curves are utilized throughout the design to encourage originality, organic movements and to reflect the forms of some musical instruments.