NEW YORK CITY — DPS Development Co. has retained internationally renowned architect Demetri Porphyrios to create a master plan for its marina harbor and village at the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club at Ambergris Cay — the new residential sporting colony under development on a 1,100-acre private island in the British West Indies.
Dr. Porphyrios joins an elite group of designers who have been tapped by DPS to contribute to the Sporting Club’s overall design plans. In what may be the most ambitious, collaborative architectural plan ever attempted for a single Caribbean development, the participating designers are creating a series of distinctive villages and member amenities that will create a vibrant social and recreational life for member/owners at Turks & Caicos Sporting Club. The London-based Dr. Porphyrios has been given chief responsibility for one of the centerpieces of the island development, its marina harbor village. (See list below for all architects involved.)
Situated on the northwest portion of Ambergris Cay, the Hawkes Nest Harbour Village will include an inland marina to accommodate more than 100 boats of up to 200-plus-feet. The village will also feature more than 100 private homes with commanding water views, a commercial component for ships delivering supplies to the island, and shopping and public spaces for members and their guests.
An ardent proponent of classical design, Dr. Porphyrios received the Driehaus International Prize in Architecture in 2004 for his contribution to classical architecture and urbanism. He has designed prominent university facilities at Oxford and Cambridge in the UK and Princeton in the U.S., and he has worked on major resort properties including Pitiousa on the Greek Island of Spetses, Cavo Salomonti in Crete, and Alys Beach in Florida. Dr. Porphyrios has been responsible for the Rochester and Trowbridge master plans in England and he is currently working on the King’s Cross Central master plan in London.
Dr. Porphyrios is often cited for his ability to address complex issues of scale in design as well as creating a coherent social dynamic for the buildings in context with their environment. DPS came to Dr. Porphyrios after an exhaustive international search; and the firm’s principals were particularly drawn to his work for the seaside Greek town of Pitiousa.
“Dr. Porphyrios is a world-class designer who has created some of the most beautiful new spaces in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States,” said Peter Pollak, principal of DPS. “He has a unique feel for creating buildings that respect the vernacular and understand the relationship with public life.”
“We were especially impressed with the elegance and simplicity of Pitiousa, and we look for Dr. Porphyrios to create the same sense of community and social experience with our Hawkes Nest Harbour Village at the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club,” said Mr. Pollak. “We don’t think of Ambergris Cay as a temporary destination. We are looking to create permanent architecture that will have a timeless, classical appeal. We are happy that Dr. Porphyrios shares this vision.”
The combination of private homes and a busy marina poses a unique design challenge.
“My design for Hawkes Nest Harbour will be responsive to the region, climate, available materials, and culture of Turks & Caicos and in particular to the island’s way of life,” said Dr. Porphyrios.
Hawkes Nest Harbour Village will be one of the focal points of community at Ambergris Cay. Public spaces will include a promenade along the waterfront, as well as shopping, retail provisions, and cafes/restaurants for members and guests. The architecture generally will synthesize the sophisticated Anglo-Caribbean style with the more informal vernacular qualities of island buildings. Members will have a choice of homes and be able to choose from a pre-approved list of architects or use their own designer.
“We are excited to have an architect of Dr. Porphyrios’ stature take the lead in designing this centerpiece marina village for the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club,” said Dan Paquette, who heads the planning and development for all of DPS’ projects and works closely with the Turks & Caicos Ministry of Building on above-standard compliance. “The island’s topography means that most structures are visible from all points, so having classical, solidly-built architecture is essential for the overall consistency and integrity of the project.”
The marina village joins a host of other high-end member services and amenities at The Turks & Caicos Sporting Club. The island will have a 5,700-foot private jet strip, a 25,000-square-foot members’ lodge, a fully-equipped fitness center and spa as well as facilities for deep-sea sport fishing, diving, equestrian, and tennis at the exclusive disposal of the owners and their guests.
In total the sporting club is offering 450 waterfront homesites selling from $600,000 to $7 million as well as a limited number of equity club memberships.
Dr. Demetri Porphyrios is principal of London-based Porphyrios Associates, which he founded in 1985. He has worked extensively in England, and elsewhere in Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. and has received many awards and honorary degrees for his excellence in architectural and urban design. His projects include educational and university buildings, office, residential and leisure developments for major institutions and governments as well as for individuals.
He received his Master of Architecture and Ph.D. in the History and Theory of Architecture from Princeton University. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Notre Dame and he has been Thomas Jefferson Professor at the University of Virginia and Davenport and Bishop Professor at Yale University. He has taught at the Architectural Association, the Polytechnic of Central London and the Royal College of Art.
Hawkes Nest Harbour Village is named after the famous harbor of Grand Turk island where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored. Today it is one of the finest sheltered harbors in the Caribbean. Other famous mariners who anchored there include William Phips and the Royal Navy Frigates of Horatio Nelson.
