EPSTEIN RESIDENCE Little St. James Island, V.I. CHRISTIAN DUVERNGSardenS 224 WEST 29111 STREET, 10711 FLOOR • NEW YORK. NY • 10001 EFTA00725903 ISLAND ENTRANCE In order to bring increased formal order to the primary access point of the island, a series of design gestures are proposed: I. Palm tree allees are placed on each side of the dock to frame the entrance and to give monumentality and protection as the island is approached. 2. Roads are realigned to give better functional access to machinery and trucks, and to add formality to the entry sequence. 3. A series of stacked stone walls are aligned along two radial circles. Stone pillars bookend the walls at each road cut. The walls and pillars should reflect the existing entry into the main building complex. 4. Paving could either reinforce the radial circles of the walls, or could be arranged in a fan pattern reinforcing the road cuts. 5. Plantings should maintain a natural feeling with native palms and shrubs and punctuations of color. Naturalized planting will contrast the order of the hardscape, and formal plantings should be reserved to designated gardens associated with the more private living areas on the island. PAVING PATTERNS to tlo PERSPECTIVE CONCEPT PLAN ,iAtk.cluft- / .00,„as eritrif"" -v"- rta.N\ *4. \ • taw, boa' c.; z c 224 WEST 29TH STREET._ 10TH FLOOR • NEW YORK NY • 10001 I) 2010 NOVEMBER EFTA00725904 GUEST/COMMUNAL AREAS AT MAIN BUILDING COMPLEX A new primary axis is defined, a sequence of terraced gardens are arranged around that axis, and the functions of the surrounding buildings are changed according to their proximity to the new kitchen building. I. New Axis: With the removal of the existing pool complex, an E/W axis is created that provides a sweeping view of the ocean. As the guests enter the courtyard along the N/S axis, they are immediately confronted with view to the ocean on their west. This axis becomes the spine of the main building complex, including new construction. 2. Sequence of Gardens: As the land steps down to the ocean along the new axis, a series of three descending terrace gardens are created. Each is separated by an adequate elevation change so that the next garden is not visible until the guest reaches its staircase. This ensures that the view down the axis in always focused on the ocean. Each garden also becomes less formal as they move away from the eastern origin of the axis. At the end of the third terrace, a pronounced oval staircase transitions to an informal, naturalized path that steps down the hillside to the existing road. The hillside will be planted with native plants and there will be areas to sit and observe the view. 3. Functional Changes: Because of the location of the new kitchen, and the spatial implications of the new primary axis, it is proposed that the functional organization of the communal buildings be reformulated. -Guest Bedroom I, located at the eastern origin of the new primary axis, is proposed to become the complex's main dining room. In doing so, the dining room is afforded the sweeping view across the gardens to the ocean, it is in close proximity to the kitchen and service areas below, and it moves the guest quarters away from the master bedroom suite. Furthermore, the two exterior spaces on each side of the new dining room can be designed to accomodate outdoor entertaining and dining. Guest Bedroom 2, then, becomes attached to the dining room through the outdoor space, and thus, should be used as a parlor room or bar for additional dining space and entertaining -Because of this change, it is also proposed that the existing living room remain the living room because of its proximity to the communal entertainment areas. Any existing issue with light availability can be corrected with minor changes to the existing roofline. -The screening room will be moved atop the pool house which will minimize the amount of guest traffic around the swimming pool. -Additional guest quarters can be placed on the southern end of the primary axis and gardens. This will be explored later in greater detail. CW3fpE <14 Ras CONCEPTUAL PLAN Paoroilc0 DWI War,. &woad, sir-Mawr deoccilsc-A tr•Peui NTS PRIMARY AXIS - SECTION iag ; NTS N 6-K-2T-FILL 12.-.3taci C COI4Aut.IA.1_ -Se C.4.1417IPte; tY 4 Pc<t4;4;. rte. ph CEriI Sttt) PEty:; • 4/ vas PlAnr mtreClat_ 444 Store \pea To Oc611•4eletps.4 -War ft eased? t tie cam"- oats kJ Potty. A_ litrukft, L'm--c. fratu eczeisinf `. ovwjAav\wool 224 WEST 29TH STREET, 10TH FLOOR • NEW YORK, NY • 10001 2010 NOVEMBER EFTA00725905 VIEW OF FIRST TERRACE & DINING ROOM COMPLEX The central building, reappropriated as the main dining room, is flanked by two exterior spaces. Each space is designed according to its functional character. I. Right Side: Coctail Patio/Staging Area providing access to main dining room, kitchen, and service area. Maintains an openness in order to provide flexibility to use. Envisioned to accodomate informal and pre-dinner entertaining, but also allow service circulation to and from kitchen. A tall hedge lines the back edge of the patio to block view of service area and master bedroom suite and library. 2. Left Side: Exterior Garden Dining Room. Formal garden layout to provide intimate setting for dining and entertainment. The main dining room and the parlor to the left are connected with an arcade that duplicates the existing arcade around the living room and office. The arcade provides consistency to the entire guest/ communal area, and adds a formal element to the dining garden without inhibiting the ocean view. The space can function independently, or in conjunction with the main dining room and parlor for larger gatherings. The parlor, specifically, functions as a flexible space that can accomodate a bar, a buffet, a breakfast room, etc... 4. -•"16, VIEW FROM FROM BEYOND FINAL TERRACE TOWARDS EASTERN ORIGIN OF AXIS Cut from the stacked stone retaining wall, the final terrace is punctuated by a semi-circular staircase that leads to an informal path that cuts down the hillside and reconnects with the existing road below. Along the path are boulders, naturalized plantings, and places to sit and observe the ocean view. 4 -era 7-tr--4. • • — U z z E- a. James Island, V.I. 2010 NOVEMBER EFTA00725906