In this exclusive interview, edito Anastasija Pavic speaks with Greg Blee, co-founder of Blee Halligan Architects, about his vision behind the design of South Bank, a groundbreaking oceanfront resort in Turks & Caicos. The project, developed by Windward in collaboration with Grace Bay Resorts, spans 31 acres and includes a mix of luxury waterfront villas and residences. Blee’s architectural expertise is central to the resort’s masterplan, which integrates contemporary design with the natural beauty of the Caicos Bank, featuring distinctive neighborhoods that embrace the island’s turquoise waters .
INTERVIEWS
Throughout the conversation, Blee discusses how South Bank represents a new era of resort living in Turks & Caicos, where luxury and environmental responsibility coalesce. He highlights the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the area while offering residents unparalleled access to both land and sea, creating an environment where adventure and relaxation coexist in harmony.
Can you share what initially inspired the overall vision for South Bank, and how it evolved during the design process?
South Bank’s vision was deeply inspired by the unique geological forms and undulating coastal landscape of this particular location. Our aim was to create an environment that reconciles architecture with the natural environment, harmonizing with the beauty of this unique coastline, rather than overwhelming it. During the design process, this vision evolved to create a seamless integration with the landscape. The development progressed from initial concepts of low-density luxury living to the realization of an innovative, first-of-its-kind residential resort and marina. The masterplan evolved to feature four distinct neighborhoods, each celebrating a different aspect of waterfront living while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
South Bank is designed to promote a thriving coastal lifestyle. Can you talk about the specific design elements that enhance this experience?
We incorporated various bespoke water access opportunities for each neighborhood to enhance the waterfront experience. These include ocean steps and infinity pools carved into the rocky shoreline, perched pools above lagoon beaches, timber walkways connecting lagoon islands, and functional access points for marina boat taxis and also personal boat docks. Each design strategy was carefully considered to fit the specific landscape it coexists with, creating a seamless and enjoyable method of access to the turquoise waters the destination is famous for.
What’s a design trend or philosophy you personally avoid, and why?
Architecture critic Kate Wagner’s TED talk examining McMansions captures everything I feel about garish design that may look impressive from the outside but lacks craftmanship. I dislike designs that evoke excessive scale just for the sake of it. I’m motivated to create cohesive designs that are both beautiful and practical, ensuring they stand the test of time, complement their environment, and create stunning living experiences as someone’s home.
With four unique waterfront neighborhoods at South Bank, what were the primary design principles guiding the development of each area?
Each neighborhood at South Bank was crafted with its own guiding principles to highlight its unique features. The Ocean Estate Villas blend with the rocky iron-shore landscape, offering resilient forms and panoramic ocean views. The Lagoon Villas draw inspiration from Malibu’s homes that facilitate casual beachfront living , and these provide direct access to the manmade lagoon and other private amenities for a harmonious and casual luxury experience. The Boathouses foster a community atmosphere with village-style residences and private boat slips, seamlessly integrating with South Bank Marina.
How did the natural environment influence your architectural approach for South Bank?
The natural environment was central to our architectural approach. We drew inspiration from the geological forms and coastal landscape, integrating features such as ocean steps and timber walkways that complement the site’s natural contours and features. The use of natural materials and local craftsmen that harmonise with the natural environment all ensure that South Bank feels like a natural addition to its surroundings rather than being imposed on it.
How did you ensure that the marina and private docks fit into the design of the Boathouses while maintaining their luxury appeal?
To integrate the marina and private docks with the Boathouses, we focused on creating a cohesive design that enhances both functionality and living experience. The Boathouses are purposefully located adjacent to the marina, with private docks directly accessible from each residence. This arrangement allows for convenient boating opportunities whilst maintaining an elegant, high-end architectural strategy. The docks are conceived to blend with the overall architectural style, ensuring they enhance rather than detract from the luxurious appeal of the Boathouses.
Sustainability is increasingly important in luxury developments. What sustainable practices or materials were integrated into South Bank’s design to minimize its environmental impact?
Sustainability is one of my core values, building homes that are designed to last. As a guiding ethos, we focused on low-impact construction methods and materials that could be resilient in the Caribbean’s weather conditions while minimizing frequent upkeep and therefore reducing long-term environmental impact. For instance, we used durable hardwoods, specified for their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. We also deployed locally sourced materials to reduce transportation impacts and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental footprint such as large-scale solar arrays for most of the properties. Additionally, the homes include climate-responsive features that enhance natural ventilation and reduce the need for artificial cooling, further promoting sustainability.
What was your approach in designing unique spaces like the man-made lagoon ?
The excavated, sand-lined lagoon is a focal point of the South Bank development and the first ever feature like this in the Turks and Caicos. We carefully designed the lagoon to offer a safe and protected area for relaxation and recreation specifically for families and furthermore to provide a unique amenity that draws water deep into the heart of the project
How did you collaborate with Piero Lissoni on the Arc Sky Villas to ensure the design aligned with South Bank’s overall vision?
Collaborating with Piero Lissoni involved a close partnership and alignment of sensibilities to ensure that Arc’s Sky Villas harmonised with South Bank’s wider vision. Lissoni’s design approach was guided by the need to blend contemporary architecture with this particular coastal environment. Regular consultations and design workshops ensured that his vision for the Sky Villas—which feature expansive indoor/outdoor spaces and luxurious natural finishes, blending elevated condo living with a villa-like lifestyle —complement South Bank’s broader goals of integrating design with the natural landscape and providing a seamless, high-end living experience.
What impact do you see South Bank having on your future projects or the architectural field in general?
For me, the project’s success is transforming an under-appreciated site into an uplifting, vibrant community. South Bank demonstrates how careful design can enhance living experience and environmental stewardship, and I hope it inspires similar approaches in future architectural endeavors.
