In the beginning of the design process we had concluded that building on slab would be more economical, especially if we could just use that concrete as the first floor "flooring" and stain it. We have done this in the past in a previous house and loved the effect. We were also under the assumption that it would be stronger and more hurricane proof if anchored to a slab vs. pilings.

After our trip to Hawaii this month we observed so many structure on "stilts" and began to rethink our plan, but needed some further info. After a few key questions fired at our new project manager we decided to go with concrete pilings.

Some of the reasons... 

1. No significant change in hurricane proof, in fact more protection from storm surge.

2. Cheaper cost for the "foundation".

3. More room for error in construction. 

4. Easier for installing plumbing. 

But the real bonus in this conclusion is that we have essentially added outdoor studio space at ground level with the main building. 2500 square feet of it. What was originally going to be a ceramics courtyard next to the main building will expand into this new space. We will gain a huge amount of storage as well.

The main building will be raised approximately 8 feet. The bungalows will be raised approximately 4 feet.

Finally we can celebrate the finished design of our artist bungalows. These will be the inspirational spaces for artists to stay in, and will be the first building built on the site, hopefully if all goes well, by next May. With weather considerations... maybe December. Tropical storm season (and hurricane) is between June and November! Although we have been told by many locals that are in their later years, that they have never experienced a hurricane. Still, we hope to avoid raising our first building in a storm.;-) Here is a mock-up of a single on the site, granted it is facing the wrong way. The windows will (of course) be facing the beautiful beach.

Here is a cross section (without the "lid") of the second floor of a bungalow. Each bungalow will contain two units that sleep a single, couple, or a family of four (in the upstairs unit that contains a very cool loft for kids). Although the goal is not to create a family environment because this is an artist community designed for high levels of production, we realize that the occasion will arise. And when completely filled with a study abroad program group, the lofts will come in handy too. (loft not shown here)

Maximum capacity with three bungalows will be: 18. We expect average occupancy to be a much more intimate: 6-10.The difference will be a study abroad student group, verses a season of professional artists on their own.

Each bungalow features two giant picture windows looking out over the atlantic ocean, and a set of french doors with a view of the Caribbean.

Designs for the Artists Bungalows are DONE. Now it is time to tackle the big Gathering House.

After months of going back and forth with the engineering department of our builder we finally have designs that meet the 150 mile an hour wind bearing (to keep safe from those potential hurricanes). Wanting desperately to keep big windows in our artist bungalows for a fabulous view of both coasts (you can see both sides of the island from our land) we tweaked as many details as possible to get what we wanted without sacrificing safety.

The Gathering House.