villakishti anguilla

148 OBJEKT OBJEKT 149

Villa Kishti is located on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. It is a holiday home

inspired by the style of Bali and created by a sophisticated, design-loving couple

with three sons. The villa comprises a series of separate volumes in which in-

terior, architecture and landscape form a logical ensemble.The unique setting ac-

centuates the villa’s contours and thanks to those contours, the views acquire

an additional dimension.

Although the various ‘compartments’ of the villa form differing entities, the

spaces flow naturally together thanks to the unifying materials, colours, forms

and textures.The design is byAnna Simone and Elaine Cecconi fromToronto in

Canada who addressed all the different aspects of the interior.

A n g u i l l a u n d e r t h e s p e l l o f

A n n a S i m o n e a n d

E l a i n e C e c c o n i

The photos clearly reflect how Villa Kishti, featuring an agglomeration of building volumes

around the central hub, nestles in the landscape of the Caribbean island of Anguilla. De-

signers Anne Simone and Elaine Cecconi from the Canadian city, Toronto, in close collabo-

ration with their clients, have created a holiday retreat that offers both intimacy and

privacy, despite its open character and direct interaction with its imposing surroundings.

The design of the entrance is simple and functional: the front doors, when closed, reveal

nothing of the opulence that lies beyond. Right: Anna Simone and Elaine Cecconi.

Overleaf

The various living areas and bedrooms all overlook the sea and, with the spacious terraces,

create a direct connection between interior and exterior. The colours used in the interior

design produce a symphony of whites with accents in dark wood.production: OBJEKT©Internationalphotos: Joy von Tiedemann

Villa Kishti is located on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. It is a holiday home

inspired by the style of Bali and created by a sophisticated, design-loving couple

with three sons. The villa comprises a series of separate volumes in which in-

terior, architecture and landscape form a logical ensemble.The unique setting ac-

centuates the villa’s contours and thanks to those contours, the views acquire

an additional dimension.

Although the various ‘compartments’ of the villa form differing entities, the

spaces flow naturally together thanks to the unifying materials, colours, forms

and textures.The design is byAnna Simone and Elaine Cecconi fromToronto in

Canada who addressed all the different aspects of the interior.

A n g u i l l a u n d e r t h e s p e l l o f

A n n a S i m o n e a n d

E l a i n e C e c c o n i

The photos clearly reflect how Villa Kishti, featuring an agglomeration of building volumes

around the central hub, nestles in the landscape of the Caribbean island of Anguilla. De-

signers Anne Simone and Elaine Cecconi from the Canadian city, Toronto, in close collabo-

ration with their clients, have created a holiday retreat that offers both intimacy and

privacy, despite its open character and direct interaction with its imposing surroundings.

The design of the entrance is simple and functional: the front doors, when closed, reveal

nothing of the opulence that lies beyond. Right: Anna Simone and Elaine Cecconi.

Overleaf

The various living areas and bedrooms all overlook the sea and, with the spacious terraces,

create a direct connection between interior and exterior. The colours used in the interior

design produce a symphony of whites with accents in dark wood.production: OBJEKT©Internationalphotos: Joy von Tiedemann

Villa Kishti's tripartite design is composed of a central hub, master suite and three self-contained vil-las, arranged in a fan-like plan. The central hub contains the principal gathering areas of the resi-dence – the kitchen and living-dining area with extensive outdoor terraces. Spaces are uncluttered,with Corian counters and backsplash and marine ply with wood veneer custom millwork in the kitchenand custom millwork, custom furnishings and carefully-chosen accessories in the living-dining area.The master suite, accessed internally from the living-dining area, contains a master bedroom withlounge area and generous terrace, as well as an adjoining travertine-clad en-suite with indoor and out-door showers. The master bedroom is appointed with custom millwork and custom furnishings andsubtle Balinese accents.

The three self-contained villas, across the central hub from themaster suite, encompass a lounge area with private, outdoor deck,kitchenette, powder room and master bedroom with en-suite bath.Custom furnishings, accessories, finishes and fittings are in har-mony with the quiet, contemporary, Balinese-accented look of therest of the residence.

Villa Kishti incorporates numerous sustainable technologies andfittings that protect its remarkable natural environment. Rooftopsolar panels supplement the power supply. Lighting is on timers.Rainwater is collected in cisterns and grey water is recycled for ir-rigation. Passive cross-ventilation eliminates the need for air-con-ditioning, apart from the master suite. Energy-efficient LED pinlights in corrosion-proof plastic casings create constellations ofartificial starlight after sundown.

Villa Kishti is the result of a remarkable collaboration between de-signer and client. This singular partnership allowed for an expan-sion of the original client brief, whereby the interior designers werecharged with fully realizing the conceptual, architectural vision forthe residence in built form. This would come to involve all aspectsof interior, architectural and landscape design-management. Theclient's exceptional contributions to design development, productsourcing and logistics were invaluable in reducing costs and short-ening timelines.

Villa Kishti is suffused with nature, producing an atmosphere of re-laxation and inspiration. The encircling landscape and seascape,ever-changing, are constant companions in this meditative, privatesanctuary.

Adjoining: the entrance of the

house with paths that fan out

to access the various rooms

and semi-detached villas.

Below: several bedrooms and

en-suite bathrooms, all of

which have views of the

Caribbean Sea.

The kitchen is in the central

hub of the complex and is part

of the living-dining area.

Right: the main villa seen from

one of the other volumes in the

complex; the spectacular, semi-

circular water features salute

the majestic blue sea.

Villa Kishti's tripartite design is composed of a central hub, master suite and three self-contained vil-las, arranged in a fan-like plan. The central hub contains the principal gathering areas of the resi-dence – the kitchen and living-dining area with extensive outdoor terraces. Spaces are uncluttered,with Corian counters and backsplash and marine ply with wood veneer custom millwork in the kitchenand custom millwork, custom furnishings and carefully-chosen accessories in the living-dining area.The master suite, accessed internally from the living-dining area, contains a master bedroom withlounge area and generous terrace, as well as an adjoining travertine-clad en-suite with indoor and out-door showers. The master bedroom is appointed with custom millwork and custom furnishings andsubtle Balinese accents.

The three self-contained villas, across the central hub from themaster suite, encompass a lounge area with private, outdoor deck,kitchenette, powder room and master bedroom with en-suite bath.Custom furnishings, accessories, finishes and fittings are in har-mony with the quiet, contemporary, Balinese-accented look of therest of the residence.

Villa Kishti incorporates numerous sustainable technologies andfittings that protect its remarkable natural environment. Rooftopsolar panels supplement the power supply. Lighting is on timers.Rainwater is collected in cisterns and grey water is recycled for ir-rigation. Passive cross-ventilation eliminates the need for air-con-ditioning, apart from the master suite. Energy-efficient LED pinlights in corrosion-proof plastic casings create constellations ofartificial starlight after sundown.

Villa Kishti is the result of a remarkable collaboration between de-signer and client. This singular partnership allowed for an expan-sion of the original client brief, whereby the interior designers werecharged with fully realizing the conceptual, architectural vision forthe residence in built form. This would come to involve all aspectsof interior, architectural and landscape design-management. Theclient's exceptional contributions to design development, productsourcing and logistics were invaluable in reducing costs and short-ening timelines.

Villa Kishti is suffused with nature, producing an atmosphere of re-laxation and inspiration. The encircling landscape and seascape,ever-changing, are constant companions in this meditative, privatesanctuary.

Adjoining: the entrance of the

house with paths that fan out

to access the various rooms

and semi-detached villas.

Below: several bedrooms and

en-suite bathrooms, all of

which have views of the

Caribbean Sea.

The kitchen is in the central

hub of the complex and is part

of the living-dining area.

Right: the main villa seen from

one of the other volumes in the

complex; the spectacular, semi-

circular water features salute

the majestic blue sea.

architecture interiors art fashion lifewww.DESIGNANGUILLA.COM

Go Modern!Create spaces that are uniquely yours

Everywherewater, water,

GettinG it Heretips for stress-free material sourcing10

the Modern desiGn issue

this page THE SLOPED ROOF OPENS THE INSIDE TO THE EXPANSIVE SEA VIEW. A NUMBER OF WATER FEATURES INCLUDING THE STONE WATERFALL, SALT-WATER POOL AND JACUZZI (ON THE UPPER LEVEL) HELP TO PROMULGATE THE AQUATIC/BOAT THEME.

TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter PHOTOS: Orrett H. Wynter & Joy von Tiedemann

AN FANATICAL OBSESSION WITH WATER VIEWS INSPIRES A MODERN

ANGUILLIAN MASTERPIECE.WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

this page THE SLOPED ROOF OPENS THE INSIDE TO THE EXPANSIVE SEA VIEW. A NUMBER OF WATER FEATURES INCLUDING THE STONE WATERFALL, SALT-WATER POOL AND JACUZZI (ON THE UPPER LEVEL) HELP TO PROMULGATE THE AQUATIC/BOAT THEME.

TEXT: Orrett H. Wynter PHOTOS: Orrett H. Wynter & Joy von Tiedemann

AN FANATICAL OBSESSION WITH WATER VIEWS INSPIRES A MODERN

ANGUILLIAN MASTERPIECE.WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

www.designa

nguilla.com

48 | DESIGNANGUILLA

left THE VIEW FROM THE BAY CALLS ATTENTION TO THE DRAMATIC GEOMETRY OF THE MANY SLOPING ROOFS.

right THE OUTDOOR SHOWER IS CONTRAST OF RUSTIC AND CUTTING EDGE FINISHING.

top left & right BEYOND THE GATES, GLASS PANELS OFFER A GLIMPSE OF THE PANORAMIC VIEW, WHILE A WATER FEATURE TO THE LEFT OF THE WALKWAY GIVES AN IMMEDIATE INTRODCTION TO THE HOME'S NAUTICAL THEME.

The Nantucket of the Caribbean.

That was how a friend of Villa Kishti’s

owner, Suresh Bhalla, described Anguilla

- drawing parallels to the luxurious island o� the

coast of Massachusetts. Intrigued, he, and his

wife, took a short trip to the island that ended

with them purchasing the Black Garden Bay

property which the villa now occupies.

Having worked with him on a number of

occasions dating back about 15 years, Suresh

again called on Toronto architect Frank Hamilton

to provide design direction for his family's pied-a-

tierre. “Your architect is only as good as his client,”

Suresh remarked, “[Frank] knows our family quite

well, so he understood the requirements we had

for the property.” These requirements are easily

summed up in three words: water, water, water.

The retired banker, who moved to Canada from

India when he was 28, explained his obsession, “I

want to be able to see the water when I’m having

a shower, when I’m in the tub, anytime I’m in the

bathroom – I want to be able to see the water.” To

his credit, Frank was able to fulfil this request in all

but the most utilitarian spaces.

“There’s a sense that it is a ship…that it’s

floating in the water,” explains Frank, “I thought

I’d reinforce that by putting controlled areas of

water on the north side [pools and spa] as well

as the south side [wading, reflecting pool].” Aptly,

the name chosen for the villa was Kishti, an Urdu

word that translates to mean a boat, or ark.

Frank attributes the very white, contemporary

look of the villa to a fairly obscure conversation

he had with Suresh at the time they first became

acquainted. “When Suresh proposed his lake

house in Ontario, he had me come over to his

house and said ‘Frank, look around this house,

look at these mouldings, the patterns, etc…

what I want is NOT that!’” That relieved him

of the burden of trying to imitate and allowed

him to create a house that could maximize the

experience of the surroundings.

To satisfy Suresh’s request for views of the

water, Frank designed sloping roofs and massive

HORIZONTAL WOODEN SLATS HELP SOFTEN THE

ENTRANCE AND PROVIDE A WARM WELCOME.

www.designa

nguilla.com

48 | DESIGNANGUILLA

left THE VIEW FROM THE BAY CALLS ATTENTION TO THE DRAMATIC GEOMETRY OF THE MANY SLOPING ROOFS.

right THE OUTDOOR SHOWER IS CONTRAST OF RUSTIC AND CUTTING EDGE FINISHING.

top left & right BEYOND THE GATES, GLASS PANELS OFFER A GLIMPSE OF THE PANORAMIC VIEW, WHILE A WATER FEATURE TO THE LEFT OF THE WALKWAY GIVES AN IMMEDIATE INTRODCTION TO THE HOME'S NAUTICAL THEME.

The Nantucket of the Caribbean.

That was how a friend of Villa Kishti’s

owner, Suresh Bhalla, described Anguilla

- drawing parallels to the luxurious island o� the

coast of Massachusetts. Intrigued, he, and his

wife, took a short trip to the island that ended

with them purchasing the Black Garden Bay

property which the villa now occupies.

Having worked with him on a number of

occasions dating back about 15 years, Suresh

again called on Toronto architect Frank Hamilton

to provide design direction for his family's pied-a-

tierre. “Your architect is only as good as his client,”

Suresh remarked, “[Frank] knows our family quite

well, so he understood the requirements we had

for the property.” These requirements are easily

summed up in three words: water, water, water.

The retired banker, who moved to Canada from

India when he was 28, explained his obsession, “I

want to be able to see the water when I’m having

a shower, when I’m in the tub, anytime I’m in the

bathroom – I want to be able to see the water.” To

his credit, Frank was able to fulfil this request in all

but the most utilitarian spaces.

“There’s a sense that it is a ship…that it’s

floating in the water,” explains Frank, “I thought

I’d reinforce that by putting controlled areas of

water on the north side [pools and spa] as well

as the south side [wading, reflecting pool].” Aptly,

the name chosen for the villa was Kishti, an Urdu

word that translates to mean a boat, or ark.

Frank attributes the very white, contemporary

look of the villa to a fairly obscure conversation

he had with Suresh at the time they first became

acquainted. “When Suresh proposed his lake

house in Ontario, he had me come over to his

house and said ‘Frank, look around this house,

look at these mouldings, the patterns, etc…

what I want is NOT that!’” That relieved him

of the burden of trying to imitate and allowed

him to create a house that could maximize the

experience of the surroundings.

To satisfy Suresh’s request for views of the

water, Frank designed sloping roofs and massive

HORIZONTAL WOODEN SLATS HELP SOFTEN THE

ENTRANCE AND PROVIDE A WARM WELCOME.

www.designa

nguilla.com

51ISSUE03 |

glass openings to face the ocean in all the

main spaces. He admits he marvelled at

the level of concrete work achieved by

local builders. “I felt limited working with

concrete, but when I came to Anguilla, I

saw all these roofs, made out of concrete,

some of them were 45degrees!” Contractor,

Audley Carty, set his mind at ease.

“After talking to Audley about it, I had no

hesitation about letting the roofs just slope

up there”, he explains. And slope they did.

To truly let in the views, the main areas of

the building have massive glass openings

facing the ocean. The lot selection was

fortuitous, as Frank explained , “Having the

wedge-shaped site open up to the North

allowed us to open up that side without

having to worry about too much Sun

getting in. So I thought maybe the roof

could lift up and grab the view of the ocean

and the sky”, Frank said .

Meant to accommodate the couple and

their three adult sons, the 4-bed villa is split

into three 2-storey suites on the west, with

the master bedroom suite on the east with

common living, dining and kitchen spaces

in between. The master bedroom’s volume

is pulled forward, protruding towards the

sea, allowing for views past the western

suites. In the evening, it faces the setting

sun, something also of high value to Suresh.

Interior designers Cecconi Simone Inc.,

also from Toronto, joined the design team

once the structure was completed. Initially

brought on to provide kitchen design, they

completed interior, as well as some exterior

design, including landscaping and lighting.

“We tried to honour the forms that the

architect had developed,” Anna Simone

explained, “We worked very strongly with

those forms and the lines and really wanted

the house to be one with nature.”

For the interior, the Bhallas chose

a relaxing, harmonious blend of

contemporary items with an Asian

this page, top, middle & bottom THE BEDROOMS & BATHS ALL SHARE THE SAME NEUTRAL PALETTE WITH LOTS OF NATURAL FINISHES.

opposite ASIAN-THEMED DECOR OUTFIT THE VERY MINIMAL LIVING/DINING, WHICH TAKES A BACKSEAT TO WHAT SURESH CALLS "THE LARGEST TV IN THE WORLD" — THE VIEW.

- Suresh Bhalla

“My FAVOURITE PLACE would have to be between the pool area or in the living room watching the largest TELEVISION SCREEN in the world.”

www.designa

nguilla.com

51ISSUE03 |

glass openings to face the ocean in all the

main spaces. He admits he marvelled at

the level of concrete work achieved by

local builders. “I felt limited working with

concrete, but when I came to Anguilla, I

saw all these roofs, made out of concrete,

some of them were 45degrees!” Contractor,

Audley Carty, set his mind at ease.

“After talking to Audley about it, I had no

hesitation about letting the roofs just slope

up there”, he explains. And slope they did.

To truly let in the views, the main areas of

the building have massive glass openings

facing the ocean. The lot selection was

fortuitous, as Frank explained , “Having the

wedge-shaped site open up to the North

allowed us to open up that side without

having to worry about too much Sun

getting in. So I thought maybe the roof

could lift up and grab the view of the ocean

and the sky”, Frank said .

Meant to accommodate the couple and

their three adult sons, the 4-bed villa is split

into three 2-storey suites on the west, with

the master bedroom suite on the east with

common living, dining and kitchen spaces

in between. The master bedroom’s volume

is pulled forward, protruding towards the

sea, allowing for views past the western

suites. In the evening, it faces the setting

sun, something also of high value to Suresh.

Interior designers Cecconi Simone Inc.,

also from Toronto, joined the design team

once the structure was completed. Initially

brought on to provide kitchen design, they

completed interior, as well as some exterior

design, including landscaping and lighting.

“We tried to honour the forms that the

architect had developed,” Anna Simone

explained, “We worked very strongly with

those forms and the lines and really wanted

the house to be one with nature.”

For the interior, the Bhallas chose

a relaxing, harmonious blend of

contemporary items with an Asian

this page, top, middle & bottom THE BEDROOMS & BATHS ALL SHARE THE SAME NEUTRAL PALETTE WITH LOTS OF NATURAL FINISHES.

opposite ASIAN-THEMED DECOR OUTFIT THE VERY MINIMAL LIVING/DINING, WHICH TAKES A BACKSEAT TO WHAT SURESH CALLS "THE LARGEST TV IN THE WORLD" — THE VIEW.

- Suresh Bhalla

“My FAVOURITE PLACE would have to be between the pool area or in the living room watching the largest TELEVISION SCREEN in the world.”

www.designa

nguilla.com

52 | DESIGNANGUILLA

theme and subtle earth tones - providing a warmth that is often

absent from contemporary design. “Suresh always joked about

the ‘three B’s,’” Anna laughed, “beige, brown, and Bhallas.” The

interior designers drew from that to put together “a palette and a

movement within the home that would always lead the eye to the

outside.”

That it did. The stone floors bleed seamlessly into the outdoor

living areas, providing continuity. The Bhallas spend most of

their time at the villa enjoying the outdoor spaces: morning yoga

exercises, breakfast in the mild breeze, and a glass of wine at

sunset. An intricate system of tiered water features including fresh

and saltwater swimming pools, hot tubs, and a waterfall combine

to satisfy Suresh’s need to incorporate water.

“I’m thrilled with the result,” Suresh concludes, “We come here as

often as we can…[and] aggregate about 3-4 months per year, 2-3

weeks at a time, mostly during the winter. My favourite place,” he

commented, “would have to be between the pool area or the living

room, watching the largest television screen in the world.”

top row UNIQUE, NATURAL FURNITURE PIECES, SUCH AS THESE REPURPOSED TREE TRUNKS FIT WELL IN THE DECOR AND ADD WARMTH TO THE OTHERWISE CLEAN, MODERN SPACES.

bottom row THE UNIQUE, HAND-CARVED COFFEE TABLE (LEFT) PLAYS HOST TO A RANGE OF CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS ITEMS AND COMPLEMENTS OTHER PIECES, SUCH AS THE COUCH (RIGHT) WITH ITS MORE CONTEMPORARY DESIGN AND UPHOLSTERY.

t H. W

this page LIGHTING ADDS INTRIGUE TO THE SCULPTURAL FORMS AND

HIGHLIGHTS THE DIFFERENT TEXTURES ON THE EXTERIOR.

www.designa

nguilla.com

52 | DESIGNANGUILLA

theme and subtle earth tones - providing a warmth that is often

absent from contemporary design. “Suresh always joked about

the ‘three B’s,’” Anna laughed, “beige, brown, and Bhallas.” The

interior designers drew from that to put together “a palette and a

movement within the home that would always lead the eye to the

outside.”

That it did. The stone floors bleed seamlessly into the outdoor

living areas, providing continuity. The Bhallas spend most of

their time at the villa enjoying the outdoor spaces: morning yoga

exercises, breakfast in the mild breeze, and a glass of wine at

sunset. An intricate system of tiered water features including fresh

and saltwater swimming pools, hot tubs, and a waterfall combine

to satisfy Suresh’s need to incorporate water.

“I’m thrilled with the result,” Suresh concludes, “We come here as

often as we can…[and] aggregate about 3-4 months per year, 2-3

weeks at a time, mostly during the winter. My favourite place,” he

commented, “would have to be between the pool area or the living

room, watching the largest television screen in the world.”

top row UNIQUE, NATURAL FURNITURE PIECES, SUCH AS THESE REPURPOSED TREE TRUNKS FIT WELL IN THE DECOR AND ADD WARMTH TO THE OTHERWISE CLEAN, MODERN SPACES.

bottom row THE UNIQUE, HAND-CARVED COFFEE TABLE (LEFT) PLAYS HOST TO A RANGE OF CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS ITEMS AND COMPLEMENTS OTHER PIECES, SUCH AS THE COUCH (RIGHT) WITH ITS MORE CONTEMPORARY DESIGN AND UPHOLSTERY.

t H. W

this page LIGHTING ADDS INTRIGUE TO THE SCULPTURAL FORMS AND

HIGHLIGHTS THE DIFFERENT TEXTURES ON THE EXTERIOR.

JULY ∕AUGUST 2012 EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES 7979 EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES JULY ∕AUGUST 2012

LUXURY GETAWAYS IN MEXICO, COSTA RICA, SPAIN, AND THE CARIBBEAN.

Five Great Places

Villa Kishti, which takes its name from the Urdu word for “boat,” is the work of architect Frank Hamilton and the international design group Cecconi Simone, Inc. Re�ect-ing distinct Asian sensibilities in a Caribbean setting, the home has four suite bedrooms, each with a private terrace, and the indoor-outdoor dining area can seat 12 people. There’s also a large in�nity pool and a grotto with hot tub. Anguilla, just a short hop from St. Mar-tin and St. Bart’s, is known for its abundance of broad, sandy beaches—no fewer than 33 of them—along with a collection of excellent restaurants. Villa Kishti can be rented in its entirety, or by individual suites.PRICING: Entire villa from $3,840/night, �ve-night minimum,

low season (April 15-December 14); $5,040/night, seven-night

minimum, high season.

INFORMATION: www.villakishtianguilla.com

VILLA KISHTIBlackgarden Bay, Anguilla, West Indies

FOR PROOFING ONLY

ESCAPES

JULY ∕AUGUST 2012 EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES 7979 EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES JULY ∕AUGUST 2012

LUXURY GETAWAYS IN MEXICO, COSTA RICA, SPAIN, AND THE CARIBBEAN.

Five Great Places

Villa Kishti, which takes its name from the Urdu word for “boat,” is the work of architect Frank Hamilton and the international design group Cecconi Simone, Inc. Re�ect-ing distinct Asian sensibilities in a Caribbean setting, the home has four suite bedrooms, each with a private terrace, and the indoor-outdoor dining area can seat 12 people. There’s also a large in�nity pool and a grotto with hot tub. Anguilla, just a short hop from St. Mar-tin and St. Bart’s, is known for its abundance of broad, sandy beaches—no fewer than 33 of them—along with a collection of excellent restaurants. Villa Kishti can be rented in its entirety, or by individual suites.PRICING: Entire villa from $3,840/night, �ve-night minimum,

low season (April 15-December 14); $5,040/night, seven-night

minimum, high season.

INFORMATION: www.villakishtianguilla.com

VILLA KISHTIBlackgarden Bay, Anguilla, West Indies

FOR PROOFING ONLY

ESCAPES

villakishti anguilla

Documents

o fa n n

i n e c e c c o n ithe

n g u i

u n d e r t h e s p

villa kishti

villa form

byanna simone

caribbean island of