L'ARCA Studio

Why Installing CCTV Cameras on Construction Sites in Bonaire is a Smart Move As an architect managing construction projects in Bonaire, particularly for clients who are often abroad, I've found CCTV cameras to be an invaluable tool. Many homeowners build second homes on the island while living in another country, making it difficult for them to stay updated on progress or enjoy watching their project come to life. CCTV cameras allow for remote monitoring, providing peace of mind and real-time updates. They also deter theft of materials and equipment, while offering a way to document accidents or issues—especially important since construction insurance in Bonaire is uncommon and often difficult to secure. Another practical benefit is monitoring deliveries and the unloading process, helping to resolve disputes if damage occurs. Of course, installing CCTV cameras does come with challenges, such as unstable power supply, WiFi connectivity issues, and the impact of extreme weather on the equipment. However, with the right planning, they provide a significant advantage for remotely overseeing projects, ensuring safety, and minimizing risks during construction. Plus, as a bonus, you can create some seriously cool timelapse videos of the entire construction—turning months of hard work into just a few minutes of awe-inspiring footage! And when the rainy season starts, it’s incredibly helpful to check the weather on-site through the cameras before heading out for author’s supervision. This is no joke—despite the island’s small size, it’s common for the sun to be shining at the office while it’s pouring rain at the construction site (or vice versa), so I’ll know whether to bring boots and an umbrella!

#OffGridLiving #CaribbeanDesign #CaribbeanLiving

The centerpiece of the project is the floating double-height roof, designed without supporting columns. This design was guided by a specific brief to achieve the highest possible ceiling permitted by Bonaire’s building regulations while maintaining an open kitchen-living space without any obstructive columns. Achieving this aspect required extensive collaboration and innovation from multiple teams. The structural engineer devised the initial concept of the steel trusses, the project manager refined the details and enhanced the structure, and the steel structure manufacturer handled the production. The entire delivery process and the final on-site installation in Bonaire also involved significant effort of the team. We are looking forward to celebrating reaching the highest point of construction—a traditional milestone that will be marked by raising a flag. This event will underscore the progress made and the collaborative spirit of the project. Moving forward, numerous challenges remain in advancing this custom structure, but reaching this phase is already an exciting milestone. Structural Design: Karolien Versteeg Construction Project Management: Isandro Wanga hashtag #caribbeanvilla hashtag #teamwork https://lnkd.in/e3mp6yTf

Thrilled to share that I’m planning to attend iSaloni! It’s a unique opportunity to observe firsthand the cutting-edge advancements and trends in our industry. Despite the distance from Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands, the potential to dive into the latest innovations and network with fellow professionals is incredibly exciting. Plus, any excuse to immerse myself in Italy’s fabulous food, vibe, and stunning architecture is a win in my book! #iSaloni #IndustryTrends #DesignInnovation

Drawing Time: The #LetsSeeYouAt21 Trend and the Evolution of Architectural Expression The #LetsSeeYouAt21 trend, which has gone viral with millions sharing old photos, taps into our collective nostalgia and the joy of reflecting on our younger selves. It's a celebration of growth, memories, and the uncharted paths we've taken since that pivotal age. For me, this trend is not just a nostalgic trip but a stark reminder of how the world has transformed. As a student in architectural academia, the quest for knowledge was often hampered by the scarcity of resources. Hunting down literature on inspiring architects or acquiring a book filled with the works of contemporary architects was akin to finding a treasure. It was a time when every piece of information was precious, and every discovery was a moment of immense happiness. Now, as an architect working in Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands, the contrast couldn't be more pronounced. Information is at our fingertips, and the digital revolution has not only changed the tools of our trade but how we access knowledge itself. The evolution from manual drafting to digital design, the transition from physical models to 3D renderings, underscores a broader shift in how we approach architecture and learning. The immediacy and abundance of information have reshaped our professional landscapes and personal growth trajectories. Reflecting on the #LetsSeeYouAt21 trend, I invite you to ponder the changes in your own lives and professions. How has the accessibility of information transformed your work? Do you find that this digital abundance enriches your professional journey, or do you sometimes long for the tactile authenticity of the past?

Smart Builds: Bonaire's Way #caribbeanliving #bonaire #constructionsite I love Bonaire for its scale and closeness to nature - meeting wild roaming donkeys, goats, and flamingos on my way to site visits always brings joy and reminds me why living and working in such a unique place is so rewarding. With the first milestone of construction completed, the concrete foundation sets the stage for Bonaire's characteristic building approach. Using concrete blocks initially as a formwork, this method not only outlines the foundation's perimeter but also integrates these blocks into the core of the foundation walls, showcasing the island's commitment to efficient use of resources. A distinctive aspect of building in Bonaire involves the use of diabaas to fortify foundations. Diabaas, a blend of local soil and rocks native to Bonaire, is favored for its strength and compatibility with the island's environmental conditions, making it a preferred choice for foundation work. Its inclusion in basement fills reflects an intelligent adaptation to the local geology, ensuring structures are built to last while aligning with Bonaire's ecological ethos. This approach underlines the ingenuity inherent in Bonaire's construction methods, where local resources are utilized to their fullest potential, ensuring that the built environment stands in harmony with the natural landscape. * Given that diabaas is excavated locally in Bonaire, it's essential to pre-treat this material for termites before enclosing the foundation. This precaution is critical due to the potential of unearthing termite nests during excavation, which could pose a risk to the structural integrity of the building. A short, preventive treatment ensures the durability of the construction and safeguards against termite damage For regular updates on the day-to-day life of an architect in Bonaire, follow us on Instagram at https://lnkd.in/eVraEeBg

From Sketch to Structure: Crafting Dreams in Bonaire Imagine crafting a dream on paper, knowing it might forever remain a sketch, an architectural fantasy. As an architect, this is our canvas – where every project starts as a dream scribbled on paper, destined to become someone’s home, sanctuary, or the ‘wow’ factor in someone’s vacation stories. Yet, often, these visions don’t make it past the drawing board. This time I had the privilege of seeing my design leap off the paper and come to life – a thrilling testament to an architect’s joy. My role was to conceptualize and draft every phase, from the initial sketch to the detailed working drawings. However, as it happens sometimes, my involvement did not extend to the realms of procurement and on-site supervision. This is where this villa owner stepped in, steering the project with finesse on an island where building a structure is as challenging as solving a complex puzzle. Their dedication in managing the author’s supervision and handling the logistical challenge of construction in a remote location was nothing short of remarkable. Witnessing the end result is a rarity in our field, and having the chance to see professional photos capturing the essence of the completed structure is an even rarer joy. I extend my gratitude to the client for not only sharing the final result but also for being the driving force in this journey from concept to reality. So, here we are, showcasing the early phases of design such as concept and design intent drawings along with the end result highlights. Surely, there are other parts such as structural design, building permit drawings, and working construction drawings, but those belong to another story. Photos 📸 @truemediaculture Structural design Karolien Versteeg _____________ #caribbeanvilla #l_arca #oceanvilla #islandlife30 m

In Bonaire, among the ruins, there’s a raw, unfiltered beauty that slaps you in the face. It’s the kind of place where nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character, vibrant and alive. The wind here, it’s more than just air moving; it’s warm and wild, carrying the ocean’s breath. The landscape’s a rough sketch of grey stones, scattered green, against the backdrop of a fiercely blue sea. It’s a sensory riot, the kind that seizes you by the collar and demands your attention. That’s what hooked me, what made me pack up and move here four years ago. Driving along the coasts, east and west, it’s like riding through a living, breathing painting, where every turn reveals a scene that could only be born in the fevered mind of nature itself. Bonaire isn’t just a place; it’s a state of being. #monumentbonaire #islandlife #caribbeanheritage