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A Slice of Paradise on Fiji’s Northern Shore
Nestled on the pristine northern shore of Vomo Island, Fiji, Reef House stands as a stunning testament to luxury, design, and natural beauty. This 6,000-square-foot oceanfront estate sprawls across two acres of the lowland peninsula, where teal waters gently kiss white sand beaches. More than just a residence, Reef House offers an unparalleled connection to the ocean, serving as both a retreat and an architectural marvel. Realizing this serene and expansive living space required a global effort, bringing together a team of experts from around the world.
A Global Collaboration for an Extraordinary Vision
The creation of Reef House was a collaborative masterpiece, with talent sourced from across the globe. The family who commissioned the home assembled an international team that included Canadian architecture firm Architecture Building Culture, New Zealand-based landscape architects Wraight + Associates LTD, San Francisco’s Lindsay Gerber Interiors, and an Australian lighting designer. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the geographical distance between team members, the collaboration flourished, resulting in innovative solutions and a harmonious design.
Architect Mark Ritchie, at the helm of the project, designed a pavilion system that forms the core of the estate. This versatile living space serves as the heart and lungs of the home, capable of expanding and contracting as needed. The main structure features massive sliding glass walls that can be opened to invite the salty, fresh ocean breeze inside, effectively merging the indoor living and dining areas with the outdoors. The open breezeway, furnished as a shaded outdoor living room, further enhances this seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.
Interior designer Lindsay Gerber describes the effect of opening these glass walls as nothing short of breathtaking. “The rooms not only blend together seamlessly,” she explains, “but they seem to melt into the black bottom zero-edge pool and the ocean beyond.” The design of Reef House artfully combines traditional Pacific elements with contemporary architectural language, creating a space that feels both timeless and modern.
Balancing Elegance and Organic Simplicity
Reef House’s design strikes a delicate balance between roughness and spontaneity with elegance and restraint. The material palette is grounded in simplicity, with off-white limestone serving as the foundation. This choice not only unifies the various elements of the design but also allows the stone to develop a rich patina over time, enhancing its organic texture.
The use of materials extends to the selection of finishes and furnishings, which include blond Victorian Ash wood, charcoal porcelain pool tiles, and off-white plastered walls. Dark window frames and fixtures provide contrast, while the lush green surroundings complete the tranquil atmosphere. The interiors are seamlessly connected to the outdoors, with linens, wool, and exterior-grade fabrics ensuring a smooth transition between spaces. Guests can relax in comfort, surrounded by handmade, artisan pieces that echo the natural beauty of the island.
Artisan Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Design
Reef House is a celebration of craftsmanship, with many of its features custom-designed and locally made. The monumental “Urchin” pendant lights suspended above the dining table were sourced from Coup D’Etat in San Francisco, which also provided the built-in leather headboards found throughout the home. The bedroom pendants, crafted from blown glass by master glass designer Alison Berger, add a touch of artistic elegance to the private spaces.
Lindsay Gerber Interiors played a pivotal role in bringing the interior vision to life, designing custom wooden dining tables, coffee tables, console tables, and bedroom benches. These pieces were manufactured by skilled local artisans in Fiji, who used a subtle hand-scraping technique on the wood to mimic the ripples of the ocean. Gerber notes that this connection to nature was a key influence in the design process. “It was a pleasure to work with them,” she says, “and we loved showcasing their talent and the beautiful wood.”
The drapery and custom pillows were also crafted by local artisans, further embedding the home in its Fijian context. The attention to detail in every element of Reef House reflects the dedication and creativity of the entire team, resulting in a space that is both luxurious and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. A Dream Realized
Reef House is more than just an estate; it is the realization of a dream, meticulously crafted by a global team of experts. The home offers world-class access to the ocean and breathtaking views framed by its architectural design. By combining traditional Pacific forms with contemporary aesthetics, the design achieves a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, all while showcasing the talents of local artisans. Reef House stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of nature, offering its residents an unparalleled living experience on the shores of Fiji’s Vomo Island.
