Times of the Islands Summer 2023

Nivå’s location at the tip of Turtle Tail offers views of the ocean and Caicos Bank, as well as the natural mangrove wetlands to the back.
I recently spoke to Ingo Reckhorn, Director of
Windward Development, about the process that brought
forth Nivå. He was as enthusiastic as I about introducing
the limited collection of island retreats that seem carved
into the ironshore and capture the sweeping horizons of
the area. When Windward secured the 2.9 acre parcel of
land at the tip of Turtle Tail, they knew they had something
special. Here, you could watch the sun rise over the
Caicos Bank and set over Juba Sound. The mangrove wetlands
to the north were protected, so views would remain
natural and unimpeded. Access to the property was along
a quiet winding road that promised privacy.
The Windward team, led by Ivor Stanbrook, himself an
architect, has always believed in pushing the bar of what
is possible in architectural design, yet at the same time
keeping in unison with the environment. After months of
searching, they discovered award-winning Scandinavian
architect Magnus Ström. His philosophy of framing views,
capturing horizons, and celebrating the power of clean
lines and flowing spaces forged an immediate connection.
After visiting the site, Magnus and his associates
were elated at the opportunity and Nivå was born.
Nivå is Swedish for “level” and the six island retreats
are each an arrangement of stacked living levels that
seem melded into the layers of limestone. What I found
most intriguing were the slender timber “sleeves” enveloping
each level. Besides softening the lines of the homes
and framing the natural views, they provide shelter from
the sun and brisk ocean breezes, allowing for large, open
outdoor living spaces that can be enjoyed at all times.
Interiors are defined by edge-to-edge glass and views
flow through each level, offering unfettered opportunities
for “the flow of life framed within the flow of nature.”
The design considers just how people use their second
homes these days. Ingo explains, “Owners of luxury
properties and those who vacation in them tend to travel
in ‘tribes’ of family and friends. Their home is a reprieve
from a stressful world, not a resort environment. Once
they arrive, they don’t want to leave the property. They
typically retain a private chef to prepare meals and a
house manager to shop and manage chores. If they want
to dive, fish, or explore the area by the boat, they will
call on a private charter to pick them up and drop them
off. This makes it especially important that the home is
completely comfortable and functional.”
54 www.timespub.tc