The Lagoons, Cook Islands
Sector
Residential
Location
Cook Islands
Climate
Tropical Rainforest (Af)
Timothy Cope, Lead Architect
Imagery
Vadym Bystrika
'The Lagoons’ was commissioned as a luxury island retreat located on the main island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The design is based on a traditional Polynesian long house and features environmentally sustainable cross ventilation and natural passive and active cooling technologies. With its thoughtful integration of climate-responsive design and durable materials, the residence exemplifies a harmonious balance between modern tropical living and environmental sustainability.
The residence is gracefully positioned on the eastern shores of the island, offering connection to Muri Lagoon, a serene marine paradise characterized by its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which remain calm and protected due to the encircling coral reef. This unique setting not only provides a picturesque backdrop but also enhances the sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
Nestled on a gentle slope that gradually ascends toward the island’s central mountains, the elevated site is carefully chosen to maximize natural advantages. Positioned to face eastward, the residence benefits from the soothing ocean breezes, which help regulate the indoor climate. This effect is further optimized by raising the structure off the ground and incorporating an elegantly sloping roofline designed to harness the full potential of the cooling winds, ensuring comfort even in the warm tropical climate.
Designed with adaptability and environmental responsiveness in mind, the residence features a ‘double skin’ construction and high ceilings, both of which contribute to a comfortable, functional, and sustainable living environment. This design approach allows the home to seamlessly adjust to varying climatic conditions, enhancing both airflow and thermal efficiency.
Adding to its resilience and versatility, the home is equipped with flexible louvered shutters, which serve a dual purpose. These adjustable shutters not only provide superior ventilation and natural cooling but also act as a protective barrier against extreme weather events, including the increasingly frequent cyclones that impact the region. By integrating thoughtful design elements, the residence offers a perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and durability in its tropical island setting.
The concept design for the project captures the essence of the Polynesian 'long house'. The design provides an open central area devoted to the public activities at the core of the residence with the more private areas located adjacent.
The residence is fully glazed and wrapped in a timber screen that acts as a shading sunscreen and frames the tranquil surrounding landscape. Inside, the wooden timber screening casts diverting abstract shadows mimicking the look of light dappling through leaves of a tree. Ceiling beams stretch out like branches further adding to the sylvan ambience. The timber flooring also creates a visual and tactile link with the surrounding landscape with areas allowing additional underfloor ventilation via slatted decking.
The design provides for a two-stage construction allowing the main structure located at the front to be erected on site with the supporting rear secondary structure integrated as a second stage of construction.
The raised floor and open double skin facade system ensure adequate cross ventilation and control providing a cool and inviting space harnessing and leveraging nature.
PLAN
1. Foyer / Front Deck
2. Lounge / Sitting
3. Dining
4. Kitchen
5. Master Suite
6. Suite
7. Ensuite / Bathroom
8. Multi-purpose zone
9. Bunk Room 1
10. Bunk Room 2
11. Bathroom
12. Bathroom
13. Central Corridor (semi-open)
14. Private Deck
15. Utilities / Laundry / HWC
16. Storage
17. Water Tank
1
1
12
9
11
10
8
17
15
15
13
13
13
16
16
17
14
6
2
3
4
7
5
14
1