A Voyage of Discovery

The concept for the “Meridian House” was conceived during a sea voyage through some of the most remote Islands in the South Pacific. In these islands lost in time, the inhabitant’s cultures have remained relatively unchanged due to their isolation.

A striking example was the Lau Group of Fiji where one must perform a Kava Ceremony with the Chief before visiting the island.  In this small archipelago, a pure form of “communism” is still practiced. “Personal belongings” or “private space” does not exist to the extent that anyone can enter another’s home and borrow whatever they might need. Most of these island cultures have developed societies that are highly reliant on their connection to one another and their natural surroundings — due to their isolation, their very survival depends upon it.

Features of the Meridian House modeled after a life at sea: 

• The house has as its center a full scale replica of the yacht’s deck that straddles the inside and  outside cantilevering over a pebbled bottom swimming pool;
• The dining and family room glass doors facing the pool (24’ total) “disappear” behind walls creating the impression of gazing across a yacht’s deck to the water beyond.
• The living room and upstairs loft spaces also have operable glass walls and decks. 
• An outdoor gazebo for dining simulates the cockpit eating experience.
• Like most boats, the “boathouse” is largely self-sufficient using the sun to make its own electricity and heat its own water.  It can also collect rainwater and grow its own food.
• The “bedrooms” are the size of “boat cabins” (7' x 7') that provide an intimate space to sleep with few distractions freeing up additional space for other functions.
• The main bathing area is out of doors mimicking bathing on the swim step of a yacht where a morning shower is a welcome and invigorating way to start the day.
• Modeled after a ship’s dorade vents or hatch scoops, three large wind scoops catch the wind to bring fresh ocean breezes into the house for cooling and fresh air.
• A meridian line uses the sun’s position at noon to provide the date and time information in a similar fashion to celestial navigation at sea.
• The house’s stainless steel hardware is modeled after that on a yacht and is used for the handrails, fixed and adjustable shading fins, privacy screens, wind scoops, and skylights.
• Generally, the boathouse recreates the yacht’s experience of out-of-door living with a strong connection to the water and the natural environment.

Railay Beach, Thailand in 2001

Red Sea Passage, Sudan Coastal Waters in 2002

Amalfi Coast, Italian Riviera in 2003

Sandy Cay Island, Caribbean Sea in 2005