Akin to Gaudi

I recently discovered the beauty of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.  A short vacation to the 'Gem of the Antilles' afforded me with the opportunity to tour the scenic beauty of both the mainland and the isle of Bequia within the chain of Grenadine islands.

The highlight of my excursion to Bequia was a visit to Moonhole House.  The 17 apartments that spread over 35 acres of land are nestled in Port Elizabeth, with no access to day tours.  The unique, rustic hotel made of stonework, concrete, and whale vertebrae, is an experience like no other.

The facility's organic forms seemed almost to have designed themselves with little indication of deliberate conformity.  From stone walls, staircases, and furniture - to a completely exposed bathroom area overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  The facility's aura exuded a silent majesty, parallel to that of Antoni Gaudi's work.

Although the use of stone throughout the facility seemed a bit excessive, the exploitation of recycled whale bones as an alternative to timber in both the building designs and furniture designs, caught my eye.

Whaling, a sport that has been outlawed in many countries around the world, is still permitted with limitations in Bequia.  Apparently, after many years of the whale bones being disposed of after meat harvesting, the concept of recycling the vertebrae was initiated.

In Moonhole House, bar countertops are adorned with the reused skeleton, and bar stools created from parts of the spine.

Although the metamorphosis from life to death to reawakening may reflect an unnerving feeling, the presence of this biological element into Architecture creates an ambiance that is nothing short of spiritual.

Photo 1 - Front view of Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Photo 2 - Upstairs canteen in Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Photo 3 - Open bathroom at Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Photo 4 - Whale bone at Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Photo 5 - Whale bone bar countertop at Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Photo 6 - Whale spine bar stool at Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Photo 7 - View to Caribbean Sea from apartment in Moonhole House, taken in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

For more information on Moonhole House, check out their website at: http://www.moonholecompany.com/