The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is pleased to announce that James Hamilton Architects, based in the Caribbean islands of Turks & Caicos Islands, have been selected as the overall winners of the competition for the private island in the Bahamas.
The client sought to create a highly sustainable destination to attract diverse groups of travellers, the yachting community and residents, whilst preserving the surrounding natural beauty of the island.
The winning concept – ‘The necklace’ - considers travel and access in a fresh way, rising from the ground, providing circulation and amenities in 3 dimensions rather than focusing on buildings. The elevated walkway creates many opportunities at the same time as addressing areas within the brief. The aim is to create a platform on which the development can expand with flexibility, with limited impact on the immediate and global environment whilst being future-proofed against sea-level rises or tidal surges. A unique benefit is the raised deck which provides a great vantage point with 360 degree ocean views.
Speaking about their overall win and design proposal James Hamilton Architects said: "We are thrilled to be awarded with this first-place prize. Our scheme “The Necklace” is an extensive raised timber structure, which aims to offer new interpretation of the Island whilst providing regenerative support facilities for the entire property.”
Six additional design teams were awarded prizes for their inventive and unique design ideas:
- Jestico + Whiles, London – Marina concept winner and runner up Beach Club concept
- PANOPTYC, Cairo, Egypt – Marina concept runner up
- Liyang Wang, New York, US - Accommodation concept winner
- SABI by Sabina Blasiotti, London – Accommodation concept runner up
- Studio Line Between, Florida, US – Accommodation concept runner up
- Mola Mucho, Indonesia – Accommodation concept runner up
The client for the competition commented: “RIBA supply an excellent platform to access a global pool of talented architects & designers. The competition process was well executed, with RIBA representatives providing knowledgeable advice and guidance when called upon. The strength of international and local Bahamian candidates & submissions was most impressive, presenting environmentally friendly, low impact designs aligned with The Bahamas recent commitments to sustainable development. We are excited to create a design befitting to the Bahamian islands.”
