Nivå limited villa series makes a bold architectural statement.

By Kathy Borsuk ~ Renderings Courtesy Windward

The Nivå villas seem melded into their limestone ridge; each has a floating deck in front, providing easy access to the turquoise sea.

It’s inspiring to see architecture that reacts to a challenging environment with boldness and creativity. The south shore of Providenciales is lined with craggy limestone ridges, not the classic ivory beaches of the north side. While this allows buildings to have a close relationship with the ocean, it does require a thoughtful approach to design. Nivå, an exclusive collection of only six villas on Turtle Tail, pushes the boundaries of contemporary architecture in stunning fashion.

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.”

Nivå is Swedish for “level” and each of the six island retreats are an arrangement of stacked living levels enveloped in slender “sleeves” for protection from the sun and breeze.

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.”

Nivå villas 1 through 5 offer over 4,000 square feet of indoor space with 4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths, and a total area of over 8,200 square feet in covered and uncovered outdoor space. The living floors are set 20 to 25 feet above sea level. Beginning at the podium level, an infinity pool runs across the front of the villa, with oceanfront sunken seating areas and a firepit allowing owners and guests an intimate connection with the magnificent landscape. Stacked atop the podium level is the main living space. The design maximizes views and features an expansive dual-aspect kitchen with access to terraces on both sides.

The second level, with its contrasting external sleeve, houses the four bedrooms. At the pinnacle sits the grand primary level, set back to create a stunning visual statement. Slender elegant overhangs provide additional outdoor space for covered terraces and an outdoor bath and shower. The optional roof terrace features views across both the Caicos Bank and Juba Sound.

Interiors include an office with Juba Sound water views, a kitchen island, dedicated powder, pantry, and laundry rooms on the first floor, a large owner’s storage area on the second floor, and one indoor and one outdoor bathtub. Buyers can personalize their villa with a selection of ancillary options including the third floor primary bedroom level with owner’s lock-out, balcony, roof terrace and wet bar; an additional elevator across the main floors; a garage, guest house, and gym; a hot tub and an evening plunge pool.

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.

Exteriors are simple in form, with the flow and function of the house articulated by contrasting masonry, glass, and timber. Each villa has a slightly different arrangement along the ridgeline, hewn to the call of the land. Their graceful outdoor pools (with optional hot tub) and fire pits overlook the Caicos Bank and patios are separated with privacy walls and wide garden areas to retain an enclave in the beauty of the environment. Owners can choose to add an ocean staircase cut into the ironshore, leading to the floating decks that front each villa for direct access to the ocean for day trips, kayaking, watersports, fishing, diving, and exploring the area.

Nivå 6 is a singular showpiece at the corner of the community with over 6,500 square feet of indoor space and over 14,700 square feet of total area. Along with unprecedented villa frontage of 167 feet, its sweeping bedroom level includes 7 ocean-facing bedrooms with breathtaking views. All the optional features of Nivå 1 to 5 are included in this trophy property, along with a vast shaded terrace with seating areas for dining, an outdoor kitchen, and a Juba Sound-facing rooftop terrace. At the highest level rests the grand primary area, where the extended overhang provides for uninterrupted outdoor living from sunrise to sunset, year-round.

With a unique interpretation of Brazilian Modernism and Scandinavian styles, interiors are designed to be simple, uncluttered, and in natural tones—an antidote to modern life. Fresh off the success of South Bank and Arc, Windward has developed a worldwide network of suppliers extending to the UK, Europe, and now, Scandinavia. This allows access to distinctive furniture, fittings, and fabrics not commonly used in the Islands, but readily administered with Windward’s years of expertise. Exteriors create a stillness and quietness with the use of walnut timbers and natural vegetation.

Ström Architects is in unison with Windward to build integrated sustainability into their properties. Construction is carefully planned to decrease demand for energy and water, with materials used responsibly and efficiently. Solar packages are available at the owners’ option.

Who are the likely buyers? Ingo expects they will be Americans and Canadians who are nature-oriented, crave privacy, and appreciate purchasing a property with architectural significance. There will be no structured rental program or monthly fees, and owners can choose whether they want to rent their villas (or the optional third floor bedroom/lockout) and can select their own management company. Nivå villas are priced from $5,500,000 to $9,950,000 and sold through Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty. Construction will proceed independently for each villa as each is sold.

Interiors are defined by edge-to-edge glass and views flow through each level.

I’ve found that Windward is an uncommon development group with a unique vision. Ivor Stanbrook says, “Our only constant is the creativity that runs through everything we do and our ability and determination to make anything possible. Our agile, bright, and mindful team inspires those who work with us to find unexpected answers and create iconic developments.” I’m always amazed at their ability to look at a piece of vacant land, see what others don’t, and create a masterpiece. Windward’s other projects include the Providenciales waterfront residential communities of South Bank, Blue Cay, and the Peninsula at Emerald Point. There’s no doubt that Nivå will be their next success.

For more information, visit www.niva6.com.