Designed by COA, this beautiful holiday house is located in Vamizi Island, Mozambique. The use of simple linear plan forms, broken up into pavilions to accommodate the natural vegetation and site features dominate the layout. While the living courtyards, solid clay wall elements, open air bathrooms, “cooling” planted water features, connecting walkways, daybeds etc all have strong similarities to the Traditional Villa, it is the more creative ‘organic’ roof and the utilization of the roof space that is the essential difference in the design.
The roof lines were inspired both by the organic shell forms of the marine environment but also by the ubiquitous dhow sails seen all over the Quirimbas on the local fishing vessels. Such a roof was seen to introduce more interest and uniqueness and will be very responsive to cooling from the prevailing winds. The large ceiling space created by the 45-60 degree pitches are used for the Master Bedroom and Private study, both of which have elevated views of the sea while an upper level in the tower is bridged to the master suite forming a generous private bathroom.
Photographs: Chris Coldicott
