Caribbean Masterpieces: The Sculpted Architecture Of Makow Architects

Commissioned to design the Goldwynn Resort & Residences on Cable Beach, Makow Architects sought to take this landmark project to new heights. Stefania Arden takes a tour.

Hotel Design

Completed in 2023 Goldwynn Resort & Residences on Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, Makow Associates Architects sought to maximise the incredible potential of the site. The unique form of the building has become a landmark, with its striking curves echoing the shoreline of Goodman Bay and its multi-directional terraces embracing the natural surrounding beauty.

The geometry of the building enables every suite to capture magnificent views, fusing the interior and exterior and creating the sense that every unit is connected to the ocean, beach, or golf course. This link to the surroundings is continued in all of the interior hospitality areas, with generously proportioned spaces framing views and creating a landscape of modern Caribbean luxury.

The concave shape of the building is unique to this resort. The oceanfront curve wraps around the terracing contours which step down to the pool and beach creating simultaneous sense of enclosure and openness, privacy and community, like an amphitheatre for the beauty of the ocean. The twin interior atria of the residence and hotel wings continue the sense of openness, are each a spectacular space as striking as the exterior form.

The terracing approach to the pool raises the building over the storm surge and conceals the ample parking available for residents and guests.

Abaco Villa

On a single-family scale on the Bahamian Island of Abaco, Makow has also captured a sense of enclosure in this courtyard style residence.

The home and landscape are conceived together as an estate which is striking when seen from outside, and which, when entered, encompasses its scenic surroundings. The central great room with glass folding doors facing the ocean is the heart of the home. The natural materials and vaulting ceiling form a pavilion connecting the space to nature.

As with the hotel, the house is raised to be above the storm surge with multiple terraces while at the same time discretely creating space for the theatre, interior recreation areas, and parking for four vehicles below.

Exterior materials are typical of the Bahamas with painted siding accented with white trim and metal roof.

Click here to find out more about Makow Architects.