In the lush, exclusive enclave of Dorado Beach on Puerto Rico’s northern coast, Paul Raff Studio redefines tropical living with the renovation of Villa Brisana, a distinguished residence for a family of four. Originally built in 2001, the home’s 3,380-square-foot interior lacked the spaciousness and connection to nature that the region’s tropical climate demands.
“Living in this tropical landscape you want to feel connected to it, connected to nature,” says Paul Raff. “So the home is now fluid and breezy; it invites nature in at every turn.” This principle guided the design approach, blending local, Caribbean traditions with modern ingenuity.
Materials and construction methods reflect the region’s architectural roots, using whitewashed stucco, concrete, and terracotta clay tiles. A striking feature is the set of three terracotta solar screens, ranging from 18 to 32 feet long and covering 20% of the exterior. Featuring scalloped cut-outs, the screens mitigate sun glare, provide privacy, and add intriguing depth. Interstitial spaces between the screens and the house allow for lush plantings, enhancing privacy and contributing to the greenery.
Area:
404 m2
Location:
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Status:
Built
