This residence takes advantage of deep/rectangular ocean front lot. The privileged setting permitted the positioning of the structure close to the street, leaving more than half of the site to the natural beach environment.  The main spaces are oriented towards the Atlantic Ocean view and breezes; the core and posterior of the house is naturally lit with linear clerestory fenestrations.

Use program 
• Main Fl.: Great Room (living, dining, kitchen), Bedroom, Study, 2.5 baths, Laundry 
• Semi-Basement: cisterns (rain + city water), solar energy batteries, shop, storage 

For its central location along the San Juan’s best beach, Ocean Park is the cities’ singular neighborhood of approximately 300 properties. The owners – longtime residents of the area – sought a nominal new residence suited to their open-door, nature/ocean lifestyle. The beachfront lot contained an undesirable, deteriorated structure (c. 1950) that was demolished, respecting all substantial trees, dominated by mature coconut palms. 

The house is situated 1.8 meters above street level over a restored the sand dune (that existed prior to building the original structure).  The ‘new’ sand’ to form the recreated mound was totally sourced from the excavation of the semi-basement.  The site reconfiguring protects from infrequent (yet real) storm surges and inevitable sea level rise, even so, offers direct ocean views and provides effective isolation from the street.  The site vegetation – mostly spontaneous growth (palms, Indian Almond, Sea Grape, Beach Lilies) – is in the process of embracing the house within an appropriate tropical setting. 

The building structure is a straightforward, simple – circular columns and inverted beams – flat slab reinforced concrete shell, with 3 meter high ceilings, punctured by multiple small (6”Ø) skylights. Virtually the entire perimeter is fitted with operable aluminum louver windows (and doors – some full glass) which permit modulation of cross ventilation, natural light, privacy and effective hurricane defense. The ample terrace on two (2) prevailing orientations (North and East) enhances the relation of living spaces to the Ocean, the wide overhangs shield from the mid morning to afternoon sun and also driving rain, at the same time, effectual protection to the louvered window wall. 

The principal ‘great room’ contains the living, eating and cooking areas and opens out to the terrace and pool.  The sleeping quarters and studio are envisioned as extensions of the ‘free space’, utilizing pivoting doors to link to the rest of the house – and between both ‘rooms’ (rotating bookshelves). A South-facing balcony and elevated planting area addresses the street. 

Although officially connected to the – intermittent, erratic – public power and water grid (legally required), the residence is self-sufficient with solar power and rainwater collection – a sustainable house in an urban site by the coast. In short, this residence is a ‘pavilion’ that intensely celebrates the harmonious integration with its Tropical Caribbean context with modernist language/style in accord with the clients’ free-spirited idiosyncrasies.