Kaya Dornfelder 14

Tropical living as it is meant to be - "Greenhouse of Werkhoven'
Welcome to this unique modernist villa, designed by top architect Carel Weeber - a pioneer in functional architecture, who has earned his spurs both internationally and in Curaçao. Worldwide he is known for high-profile projects such as the Peperklip in Rotterdam and the pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka. On Curacao, among other things, he realized several striking modernist tropical private villa's, including his own home on Bandabou 'Kas Weeber', the Inter Assure office in Willemstad. This villa is a brilliant example of that: the minimalist eco-friendly style, use of natural ventilation and integration with the tropical environment. A villa with simple lines and an open floor plan, designed for a relaxed lifestyle in the tropical climate.
As soon as you enter, you experience the spacious feeling, coolness and openness that are so characteristic of Weeber's architecture. The geometric design, thoughtful sightlines and harmony between inside and outside ensure that you are constantly surrounded by a playful approach to color and form. Every detail contributes to the experience - functional and visual.
The villa is in a truly unique location: right on the edge of the vast salt pans of Jan Thiel, a protected nature reserve and haven for various species of birds, including flamingos, herons and waders. There are several hiking trails that lead you along the salt pans and through surrounding forests; a picturesque landscape with changing colors, ranging from white to pink, depending on the salt content and light. You can also reach the beaches of Jan Thiel, Caracas Bay, Directors Bay and Mambo Beach within 15 minutes by car. Facilities such as a large supermarket, gym, restaurants and shops are all very close by. Also the beautiful Spanish Water Bay, the area for water sports enthusiasts is just around the corner with its various marinas.
The home consists of two levels of living. At street level is the main living area with a spacious sleek kitchen, a large pantry and a bright living room that flows seamlessly into the playful and completely private outdoor area by the pool and the expansive views of the nature reserve and in the distance the sea. At the rear of the home is the spacious master bedroom with attached bathroom and walk in closet; again facing the views of the nature reserve. In addition, a door provides direct access to the pool deck. At the front is a generous second bedroom, currently used as a study, and a toilet room that can be converted into a second bathroom.
Through an elegant indoor staircase - designed so that an elevator can be installed in it quite easily - you reach the first floor, where there are two bedrooms on either side of the wide hall: one at the front of the villa and a fourth, spacious studio with kitchenette with refrigerator at the back. This floor also has a private bathroom, ideal for guests or as private quarters for family members. The hall flows into a practical technical work space. Thanks to the clever positioning of the pool against the exterior wall, these rooms remain surprisingly cool even on hot days.
The orientation of the house was deliberately chosen east-west. As a result, only the narrow facades catch the bright morning and afternoon sun, while the long sides remain largely in shade. Large overhangs, especially above the pool deck, keep the sun away from the facades and ensure that you can sit outside comfortably even during a tropical rainstorm.
The ventilation principle is as simple as it is ingenious. Small openings on the east side and large roller doors on the west side create a natural venturi effect that pulls trade winds effortlessly through the house. Open building blocks in the facades enhance this effect, as do the low interior walls, which give warm air at the top free rein to flow away. This keeps the indoor climate surprisingly cool, without air conditioning.
At the request of the current owner, one conscious concession was made for modern luxury: air conditioning was installed in the master bedroom, as well as windows with glass instead of the standard burglar-proof aluminum system used elsewhere in the house. This system effectively keeps out sunlight, eliminating the need for curtains and keeping the rooms pleasant at all times.
The roof is made of aluminum, a deliberate choice because this material stores less heat than galvanized roof panels. There is also a thick layer of at least 16 inches of rock wool insulation under the roof, which prevents daytime heat from radiating in.
In terms of water management, too, this house is a textbook example of smart tropical construction. Under the living room is a cistern of no less than 60 cubic meters, fed by rainwater collected from the roof via front and rear gutters and four drain pipes. Thanks to the relatively large roof area, the supply is optimal. The system allows switching between rainwater and Aqualectra water. When using rainwater, the pool, toilets, showers and garden are supplied - not the kitchen or refrigerator, for hygiene reasons.
The entire power supply is 220V, three phase with neutral conductor - exactly as you are used to in Europe. This makes connecting European equipment easy and reliable.
Another striking design detail is the shape of the house: a diagonally placed rectangle within a parallelogram, crossed by an equally wide 'beam'. This eliminates the need for windows on the north and south sides, which is not only energy-saving but also ensures complete privacy. The elegant arched roof ensures that the ceiling is almost 3.80 meters high at its highest point. Warm air rises and is easily removed through the airflow, again contributing to a cool and comfortable living space.
In short, this villa is a masterpiece of tropical architecture in an exceptional location. Functional and aesthetic. Comfortable and climate-conscious. Here you live not only in the sun, but especially with the sun, the wind, nature and the landscape - while the architectural design amazes you every day. A rare combination of thoughtful design, modernist elegance and pure living pleasure.
The villa was built in 2014 - on its own land - by the current owner and now on the market for the first time.
Own occupancy is of course possible, and vacation rentals are also among the possibilities for use of this designer villa.
Is interest piqued? Feel free to contact Jacqueline Remmelts at +5999 5123803 (also via WhatsApp). She will be happy to help you with more information and a viewing to experience the property for yourself.