We are thrilled to share the exciting news of the winners of the international architecture competition organized in collaboration with Samana Group – Off Grid Farm!
This innovative competition invited architecture students and young architects to envision and design a sustainable, self-sufficient farm in the heart of the Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic.The goal was to create a model for off-grid farming that integrates renewable energy, advanced water management systems, and sustainable agricultural practices—addressing some of the most pressing challenges of remote living and farming in this unique environment.
The Samana Group, known for its commitment to sustainable development and affordable luxury, provided the ideal backdrop for this competition. The group’s focus on integrating urban master planning, lifestyle design, and high-quality infrastructure into untouched natural environments set the stage for participants to push the boundaries of conventional farming and design.
Participants were challenged to create designs that would not only sustain themselves with minimal environmental impact but also contribute to the resilience and economic development of local communities. By emphasizing the use of local materials and promoting environmental stewardship, this competition aimed to pioneer solutions that could shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the Samana Peninsula and similar remote locations worldwide.
Following an extensive and meticulous evaluation process, our esteemed jury panel, consisting of renowned architects and field experts have now finalized their decisions. Among the impressive submissions, three outstanding entries have been selected as the top winners. Additionally, AUDIENCE AWARD was awarded: to the project that received the most votes during voting on the Samana Group website.
The announcement of the SAMANA GROUP AWARD has been delayed until the end of September due to the unexpectedly high number and exceptional quality of submitted projects. Given the remarkable diversity and innovation presented in these proposals, the Samana Group requires additional time to thoroughly evaluate each submission to ensure that the most deserving project is selected for construction.
The winners were selected by jury panel composed by:
Spiritual Cascades
Kurt Cheang, Rourke Brakeville and Zida Liu from the United States
The FIRST PLACE was awarded to Spiritual Cascades designed by Kurt Cheang, Rourke Brakeville and Zida Liu from the United States. The design features terraced landscapes for crop cultivation, self-sustaining energy and water systems, and communal spaces that promote introspection, all while preserving the natural environment and enhancing the local economy.
Spiritual Cascades
Situated in the breathtaking landscape of Samaná, Dominican Republic, Spiritual Cascades promises a getaway paradise that promotes mindfulness and introspection without compromising the convenience of the modern world.
The project begins by forming a suitable environment for the off-grid farm to situate on, which in turn provides stable living conditions for the dwellers. Through terraforming the landscape with terracing techniques, the site becomes suitable for cultivating crops and secures the landscape from future rainfall and landslide occurrences. To create natural harmony between the man-made terraces and the existing environment, the landscape and water meander through the site, connecting a series of freshwater reservoirs and retention ponds distributed throughout each household.
The paths of nature meandering through the terraces create varying communal connections between the off-grid farm owners on different levels of terraces and their workers. The guest houses opposite the main houses are available for both the owners’ guests and other traveling nomads, further enhancing the inner community of the site and promoting eco-tourism that can benefit the local community. A community center also sits atop the site, acting as the mediator between the off-grid farm community and the Samaná community, facilitating authentic and cultural interactions through activities such as farmers markets or the Dominican carnival.
Within the dwelling portion of the off-grid farm, spaces for both introspection/meditation and outlook are provided. Inhabitants can enhance their mindfulness through meditating in spaces like the Garden of Introspection to seek their inner peace or fantasize about their futures while looking out at the expansive ocean from the pool in the Garden of Curiosity. The intentional weaving of natural elements within the living spaces emphasizes the importance of humans re-engaging with nature, a crucial step for finding inner peace and stability.
Creating stability for both the inhabitants of Spiritual Cascades and the local community is equally important. The project achieves this by deploying vernacular construction materials and techniques while evolving traditional designs, enhancing the local economy without foreign interventions. The site also employs multiple self-sustaining strategies to become net-zero:
This ensures a balance between human habitation and the natural environment, fostering a sustainable and mindful community.
About the First Prize – Ludwik Kaizerbrecht
“The Spiritual Cascades project features a distinctive roof design inspired by the tectonic geometry of the site’s natural topography.The landscape design harmoniously integrates with the roof, constructed from locally sourced materials, resulting in an iconic yet environmentally responsive design. The design of the buildings leverages the terrain’s elevation changes to create distinctive and unique spaces. The courtyard design effectively addresses noise and privacy concerns, but there is potential to improve the views to the outside. The high quality of the renderings succesfully showcases the design with a hospitality-focused approach.”
About the First Prize – Oscar Torrejón
“The project stands out for its focus on community spaces that foster interaction and cohesion among residents. Additionally, the protection and creation of green areas integrated into the design contribute to the sustainability of the natural environment. The use of terraces for land and waste management optimizes space utilization and minimizes environmental impact. Finally, effective rainwater collection ensures a sustainable supply and addresses water scarcity in the region.”
About the First Prize – Cosimo Scotucci
“The concistency between the architecure forms and the landscape makes the project specific and dynamic. The forms also allow for the use of locally sorced materials and verachular technics”
PCIH
Go Sungjun, Go Haejun, Lee Yunji and Lee JaeHyuk from South Korea
The SECOND PLACE was awarded to PCIH designed by Go Sungjun, Go Haejun, Lee Yunji and Lee JaeHyuk from South Korea. The project blends sustainable architecture with nature through a grid system that balances natural curves and human-made lines. It uses renewable energy and local materials to create an efficient, off-grid living space that offers an immersive escape into nature.
[Before entering into the nature]
This project begins with humans entering the heart of nature. As humans are inevitably positioned to impact nature, they must consider how to develop it responsibly. In this project, nature is not just an object to be protected but also a resource to be utilized efficiently. To show this dramatically, people must selectively and compactly use the necessary parts, avoiding indiscriminate development at its boundaries. Therefore, a method of architectural planning using an intergrid is presented, where natural curves and human-made straight lines overlap in an offgrid space. On the target site, which was offgrid, a small new infrastructure grid that grows naturally is formed.
[Site condition & Sustainable energy source]
The target site consists of approximately half of the flat land and slopes with a view of the sea to the northwest. For sustainable farms, various renewable energy systems are adopted. Due to the high amount of insolation, solar energy panels are installed on the roof of the warehouse to serve as the main power source. As an alternative energy source for cloudy days, small wind turbines are installed to harness the high wind speeds of the mountainous areas. Given the consistently high precipitation, rainwater and household wastewater are recycled through a greywater treatment system. Clean water resources such as drinking water are supplied through groundwater pumping. Insulation is installed between the veneer walls to minimize heat loss.
[Material]
In an effort to give back to the community, the project aimed to utilize materials readily available around the target site as much as possible. The foundation and underground machinery room are constructed using compressed earth blocks, which can be made by mixing soil and cement on-site and are easily obtainable in Samaná. The primary wood materials used are pine and mahogany, both of which are widely exported from the Dominican Republic. Hard pine is used as a structural material, while aesthetically pleasing mahogany veneers are used for outer walls and interiors. Additionally, PVC sheets are used for roof waterproofing, ensuring both economy and convenience.
[Structure]
To provide an escape from daily life while immersing in nature, the building was situated in a forest rather than at the center of the cultivated land. This decision presented a challenging condition as construction had to be done on a steep slope. The challenge was addressed through the use of pilotis. As a result, the living room was protected from moisture rising from the ground, and the vehicle entrance and elevated views were secured at the same level. Additionally, external spaces such as swimming pools and barbecue areas were arranged vertically, giving each space a three-dimensional character.
[Escape from daily life]
The design aimed to provide an extraordinary experience while also offering users convenient circulation and spaces. It’s exciting to anticipate how wonderful it would be to spend workdays and daily life, and to relax in such a fantastic place.
About the Second Prize – Ryohei Koike
“The master plan, architecture, and sustainability approaches are seamlessly integrated into the design, demonstrating a well-layered and effortless execution.”
About the Second Prize – Ludwik Kaizerbrecht
“The PCIH project creates highly iconic architecture with a clear design destination intention. The central spine connects all the proposed buildings, facilitating site orientation to maximize views .The proposed design language utilizes locally sourced materials to establish a rhythm of vertical elements, creating a contemporary – yet nature fitted façade . The exceptional quality of the renderings and graphics presents the design in a unique, hospitality-focused manner.”
About the Second Prize – Oscar Torrejón
“The project raises controversy with the use of wood for structure and cladding, as this material is not commonly used in the Dominican Republic from a cultural standpoint due to its poor maintenance. However, it is also the most sustainable material available on the island, helping to avoid erosion of its beaches and reefs.
The second controversial construction aspect is the use of earth blocks for the structure, as they are not earthquake-resistant in a country that experiences earthquakes and hurricanes. However, the effort to reduce the use of concrete is appreciated.
Given that the project stands out for its construction development, the use of PVC for the roof is not the most viable within sustainability, especially when there are so many clay tiles and other options available in the Dominican Republic, which also help reduce the building’s heat gain.”
A gift from nature
Yifei Xia and Yuting Zeng from China
The THIRD PLACE was awarded to A gift from nature designed by Yifei Xia and Yuting Zeng from China. This design honors and utilizes abundant natural resources while minimizing environmental impact. It also integrates sustainable practices, such as elevated structures, solar energy, and water recycling, to create a harmonious connection between the built environment and the local ecosystem.
A GIFT FROM NATURE
The natural world is an incredible wonder that inspires us all. We rely on nature for numerous goods and services we depend on for our health, happiness and prosperity. It underpins our very existence. Our forests, rivers, oceans and soils provide us with the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we irrigate our crops with. We also rely on them for numerous other goods and services we depend on for our health, happiness and prosperity.
Our existence is a blessing, a GIFT from nature.
The abundance of natural resources, such as water, wind, earth, and sunshine, is often overlooked and is frequently over-exploited, particularly by those who depend on these resources for their livelihood.
In designing an off-grid farm in an area of abundant natural resources, the objective was to present these gifts from nature in a manner that would be both respectful and beneficial to the local ecosystem. Consequently, the concept of ripened fruits on the vine began to take shape, and the distinctive form was designed to serve as a constant reminder of gratitude.
Upon entering the site from the visitor center, one can observe the main house and guest house in the distance, with energy stations situated along the winding, upward-sloping path. The buildings are connected by a series of zigzagging walkways that traverse the site, evoking the image of fruits on a vine. Visitors will accept this gift from nature. It is our hope that the experience of residing on the off-grid farm will foster a deeper appreciation and respect for our natural environment.
The design responds to the need for sustainable design in multiple ways:
In order to cause minimal environmental impact, the ground floor was elevated, allowing the buildings to integrate into the site as delicately as possible. The detached structure from the ground also provides space for air ventilation and the flow of water, which sufficiently improves indoor and outdoor thermal comfort. In terms of water utilization, domestic water needs are met through a catchment roof, simple filtration, and tanks. The landscape is self-sustaining, with filtered water tanks and canals for agricultural production and water recycling within the site. Roof-mounted solar panels harness the power of the sun and maximize solar energy production, thereby providing the farm with electricity. The building itself has been designed using local, sustainable materials, including cane leaves and glued timber beams of recycled wood.
About the Third Prize – Cosimo Scotucci
“Form and function are well integrated to respond to the design challenge. Impressive dept in development of architectural concept.”
About the Third Prize – Ludwik Kaizerbrecht
“The planning of the Gift project achieves effective land use while ensuring personal privacy, open views, and noise comfort between villas. The architectural design is distinctive and unique , yet has visible relation with the local heritage of the Tiano house. The presented building typology offers a decent variety of layouts within a cohesive design language. Overall presented design results with an attractive modern look crafted with consideration for local heritage and respect for the natural environment. The exceptional quality of the renderings and graphics helps to present the design in a distinctive – hospitality oriented way.”
About the Third Prize – Ryohei Koike
“The project aims to integrate with the natural environment and operate sustainably with minimal environmental impact.”
Samaná’s Spiral
Alec Harrigan, Monil Shah, Alex Vaquero, John Snyder III from United States
The AUDIENCE AWARD was awarded to Samaná’s Spiral designed by Alec Harrigan, Monil Shah, Alex Vaquero, John Snyder III from United States. This project integrates sustainable agricultural practices with passive design, inspired by the Taíno cultural heritage of the Samaná Peninsula. It emphasizes environmental stewardship, community involvement, and the use of local materials to serve as a model for sustainable development.
Samaná’s Spiral:
A Biodynamic Tapestry
Inspired by local tradition, community, ecological and economic resilience, Semana’s Spiral unfurls to blend sustainable agricultural practices with passive design. The ancient cosmic Taíno worldview on which the design is based, grounds the project to the cultural heritage of the Samaná Peninsula. Cutting-edge cultivation practices and permaculture principles further project the off-grid farm as a precedent of environmental stewardship spurring future regional development.
The project masterplan respects the existing contours of the land, utilizing the sloped topography for crop irrigation and to direct water into storage pools that double as recreation space. At the project’s nucleus stands the owner’s sanctuary—a biophilic home rooted among ancient ceiba trees, offering a bird’s-eye view of the undulating mountains and waters below. Integrated farming makes use of the surrounding fields and forests for cultivation. Crops are grown on both small and large scales in an interconnected and holistic fashion to support property residents as well as the wider region through a community organized cooperative. Circulation paths allow for community participation on site establishing Samana’s Spiral as a cornerstone of the region.
Architectural interventions are comprised of energy efficient design decisions based on passive design principles. Construction methods and techniques are innovative in design and purpose, but utilize naturally occurring and locally sourced materials and systems ensuring local labor forces can take part in construction. Self-sufficiency and self-reliance are supported by on-site farming, rainwater reclamation, district geothermal cooling, and photovoltaic energy generation. By innovating new solutions with existing technology and practices of the region, lessons learned from Samana’s Spiral can be applied to future off-grid development in the Dominican Republic.
Samaná’s Spiral is not just a farm, rather it lives as a regenerative organism, pulsing with life and innovation. It honors the Taíno spirit of harmony with nature while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in off-grid, sustainable living. This dynamic, ever-evolving tapestry of life, technology, and culture stands as a beacon of hope—a testament to humanity’s potential to not just coexist with nature, but to become a nurturing force within it.
About the Honorable Mention – Ludwik Kaizerbrecht
“The Samana Spiral project offers a distinctive approach by consolidating all the habitats into a single, centrally located structure on the site.
The plan layout design clearly reflects inspiration from the local heritage of the Taino house. The floor plan is thoughtfully designed to open views to the semi-open courtyard while providing quiet zones for residents. “
Agri-Cultural Oasis
Xuechen Kang, Yee Foo Lai, Xueqi Zhang, Yuanhao Zhou from United States
Agri-Cultural Oasis
Located in Loma Atravesada, Las Galeras, Samaná, our project blends off-grid farming, tropical leisure, and cultural exploration. Inspired by the Dominican spirit of joyous dance and community cohesion, we propose a welcoming center that integrates agricultural production with local culture, traditional music, and unique vacation experiences. The farm dedicates 20% of its land to photovoltaic panels, providing sustainable energy to power the entire farming estate while also cultivating a variety of crops. By harnessing renewable energy and efficient water management, our off-grid farm offers a sustainable living blueprint and fosters community resilience in this remote paradise.
Utilizing the site’s natural slope, our design channels rainfall through newly created streams into catchment ponds at the forest and farm boundaries. This water is filtered and used for agricultural irrigation and daily operations, ensuring a sustainable water supply.
This project enhances the visitor experience while promoting and preserving the Dominican Republic’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage.
The main house features a universal circular design centered around a green courtyard, maximizing exposure to the surrounding landscape. The roof slopes inward towards the courtyard, enabling efficient rainwater capture for filtration and use within the house. Both the guest house and staff accommodation are equipped with water purification systems built beneath the structures, ensuring self-sufficiency and sustainable living.
About the Honorable Mention – Cosimo Scotucci
“Design integration to respond to the design challenge is well though. Good dept of e architecture proposal.”
CIRCULAR COMMUNITY FARM
Tino Kelling, Jenny Fuhrmann from Germany
CIRCULAR COMMUNITY FARM
Our proposal for the OFF GRID FARM is based on an innovative, sustainable concept that harmonizes the needs of the community and the environment. With thoughtful design and the use of local materials, we create a self-sufficient, resource-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing farm.
The farm combines various uses within a single large structure, which is divided into different areas by its form. Centrally located on the property, the design ensures optimal operational flow and minimal disruption to the existing nature. Both existing and new cultivation areas are considered to maximize agricultural use.
The farm includes areas for employees, the owner family, a garage, and a barn. By twisting the structure, private, communal, and public spaces are created, including a courtyard for social interactions and a natural swimming pond for the residents. The building’s orientation follows the path of the sun, creating sightlines to the sea while providing private and public access.
The design of the functional areas addresses various issues: sleeping areas are protected from direct sunlight by wide roof overhangs, while living areas receive ample natural light and ventilation through large glass windows, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Employee and owner areas are elevated on stilts to protect against flooding and animals. Covered verandas, reminiscent of classic Dominican porches, promote both privacy and public interaction. Agricultural areas are enclosed and accessible through large doors, with small openings for natural light.
Rammed earth is proposed for the load-bearing structure and interior walls, preferably sourced directly from the site to minimize CO2 emissions. The earth can be easily adapted to the round building shape, providing natural insulation and a pleasant indoor climate. Large roof overhangs and stilts protect the rammed earth from heavy rain. Wood, locally sourced or from the property, is used for verandas, rafters, window frames, doors, and the pavilion structure to save CO2 and utilize the material for long-term CO2 storage. Concrete is used for roof load transfer and foundations, ideally made from recycled aggregate to reduce CO2 content. The roof, made of durable and recyclable Corten steel, collects rainwater for cisterns. The pavilion’s roof is covered with local sugarcane leaves.
The community pavilion is central to the farm’s social and economic life. Locals can learn agricultural techniques, purchase fruits, vegetables, and seeds, and rent fields. The pavilion also serves as a venue for festivals and markets, promoting social cohesion and cultural activities.
The farm is powered by optimally oriented solar panels and a small wind turbine. A natural swimming pond without a complex filtration system, and the lack of heating and air conditioning, significantly reduce power consumption. Rainwater is collected in cisterns and supplemented by vertical groundwater wells. This water is used for domestic purposes and drip irrigation, the most sustainable method. Greywater is recycled and treated for reuse. Blackwater and biological waste from the farm is composted and used as fertilizer for agriculture.
Our design integrates self-sufficient agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable water management. By using local materials and promoting the community, we contribute to the region’s ecological and economic development while preserving the unique character and cultural heritage of Samaná.
About the Honorable Mention – Ryohei Koike
“Simple and effortless architectural design and approach. The use of sustainable and local materials, along with thoughtful design and energy sources, are well integrated to achieve the off-grid concept.”
Visible “Off Grid”
Lingxuan Li, Ruohong Wan from China
With visible circulation as the core concept, the overall layout of the off-grid farm and the structural form of the building are planned under the influence of terrain and climate. In the overall planning, the flattest land is reserved for agricultural planting, the steeper land is used as construction land, and the steepest part is kept for tree planting. There are many small rainwater collection and storage devices distributed in the farm, which allows people to visually understand how the off-grid works. Here you can experience a variety of off-grid activities, such as camping, planting crops, and experiencing cattle and chicken raising. Observe the complete process of material circulation.
In terms of architecture, we disperse the functions in the house and build it in the form of a ring, so that people can experience the feeling of circulation in daily activities (for example, the functional distribution of the bedroom is ring-shaped. When you take a bath, you can go to the dressing room along the ring line and then go to bed). On the facade of the building, there are almost no solid walls, which are ventilated and breathable, but at the same time there are curtains to protect privacy; on the top of the building, the roof is tilted to the south, with solar panels on it, which can supply power to the building and is also part of the visible off-grid cycle; inside each room, there is a circulating pool, through which you can experience the process of water circulation in daily life. The dispersed functional layout of the house also allows people to be closer to nature when living in the building.
About the Honorable Mention – Cosimo Scotucci
“Design integration to respond to the design challenge is well though. Good dept of proposal both on the architecture and in the agricultural part.”
SYMBION
Ling Chuen Kong, Ho Lam Yeung, Natalie Gusawir, Man Wah Leung from Hong Kong
SYMBION
Despite being a diverse island country rich in history, culture and natural environment, Samana in the Dominican Republic lacks access to essential utilities due to its location. To transform Samana as a luxurious and comfortable remote paradise while being practical and affordable, the project proposes a new way of living in which human activities and sustainability are symbiotic, in a contained bubble.
Embracing water recycling as a gradual process, the project expresses the linearity parallelly to the water management as a whole. Being the service spine of the project, the central walkway establishes the programmatic hierarchy, organizing programs in terms of privacy, openness and visual connectivity, while containing essential services for the off-grid circulation. Water is treated in a living system that uses plants, bacteria and microorganism to recycle wastewater into clean water.The system is chemical free, uses zero net energy, and creates a closed-loop hydrological cycle. They are expressed and become continuations of the living quarters, which sculpt the walking experience on the walkway in this sequential compound.
To provide an experience of living in an untouched landscape, the project strategically layout the farm and emerges from the ground. Negotiating the level differences on two ends, the central spine blends the compound into the landscape. The farm is laid out in a radial pattern, organized based on their visual appeal and farming efficiency. Flowers are planted adjacent to the living quarters, which are positioned to access different views, followed by fruits and vegetables and other food plants at the periphery of the farmland for easy access to the workshop and main road.
The project access water through collecting rain water and pumping from Aquifer. Roofs are pitched and oriented for maximum solar exposure and natural ventilation.
About the Honorable Mention – Oscar Torrejón
“The project stands out for its roof design, which maximizes rainwater harvesting and solar exposure. It demonstrates great potential for self-sufficient living by utilizing water recycling strategies and passive ventilation. Additionally, the views are optimized to the fullest, and the segmentation of the plantations is well-conceived, efficiently integrating agriculture with living areas.”
CARIBBEAN SOLARPUNK
arkansyah farras setiawan from Indonesia
CARIBBEAN SOLARPUNK
Voxelated Agrotech-Village Development along Caribbean Local Wisdom to Reinstate Self-Sustain Gastrotourism in Samana Valley.
FROM SAMANA TO THE FUTURE WORLD Climate change is becoming uncontrollable with the development of technocapitalism which is destroying not only the environment but also humans. Many locations in Samana City will be affected, not just by the lack of energy and clean water, but also by horizontal and vertical social problems. So, what architectural concept can be the antithesis to this problem before dystopia becomes a reality? The Solarpunk concept can be a radical solution to help many communities with limited resources and return the environment to its original state. this concept is also cutting edge to be an inspiration for travelers which is one of the largest economies in Samana.
CARIBBEAN MANIFESTO
manifesting the old Caribbean culture which has moral and architectural values which will be implemented into a spatial system strategy so that the design results reflect locality image.
SOLARPUNK UTOPIA
The solarpunk concept is described as a community that has a calculation module to meet basic needs, resilience to environmental, social and economic resistance, as well as utilizing and developing the latest technology for convenience in resources.
GASTROTOURISM ON AGROTECH VILLAGE
The creation of an area that has the latest agricultural technology developments in Samana thus providing a new tourism realm in the gastrotourism sector which represents Sama’s future towards environmentally friendly agriculture and food.
MASSING GENERATION
Site generation belongs to 6 path which are ; 1) Rewilding, 2) Dwell plotting, 3) Supporting facility, 4) Vehicle mobility, 5) Pedestrian trail, and 6) Green-blue zone. While Plot generation describe into 6 way ;1) Community voxel, 2) Architecture system. 3) 3×3 cut fill, 4) Layouting. 5) Green-blue feature, and 6) Vary voxel.
THE FACILITY
The facility itself divided into 3 type which are dwelling, farming, and supporting. For the dwelling belongs to Caribbean villa dock, Caribbean guest dock, Locale dock, and The cliffhange hostel. For the farming belongs to Carbo tower, Aquaponic house, Livestock barn, and Workshop warehouse. For the last but not least, the supporting one belongs to the Cuisine hub as the main feature for gastrotourism, Gastronomy tower, Caribbean dome, and Community hub.
About the Honorable Mention – Ryohei Koike
“The main concept of creating a self-sustaining gastrotourism village using local wisdom and solarpunk ideas is commendable. However, the resulting vision and design appear more dystopian than reflective of a vibrant new Caribbean community.“
Cemí de Bohi
Tong Yue, Yi Wang, Qiqi Liu, Zhelun (Jerry) Li, Tong Yue from Canada
Cemí de Bohi
Off-grid living allows for architecture and people to be self-sufficient. We hope to apply off-grid farms to detach people’s lives from the city. By resting on the skin of Mother Earth, off-grid farm offers a new way of living, letting people away from the city and close to nature. Cemí de Bohi is inspired by the traditional Cemí shape of the Taíno people, aiming to revived the indigenous spirit conveyed by Cemí on Samana. The Taíno, the indigenous inhabitants of the Dominican island, called their island Kiskeya or Quisqueya, meaning “Mother of the Earth.” The Cemí is an important spiritual symbol for the Taíno; each Cemí represents the soul of a deity or ancestor, brought to life through carving. The tri-point shape of the Cemí is inspired by the sacred Tres Picachos mountain, symbolizing the home of the creator Yaya, the land of the dead Coabey, and the land of the living.
Therefore, our team were inspired by the shape of the Cemí and would like to transform it to a place for people to get their own new spirit. According to the site’s topography, we designed a more fluid streamlined shape while adhering to the traditional form. We hope Cemí de Bohi will serve as a modern farm for Dominicans, blurring the boundaries between the natural environment and architecture, and achieving mutual coexistence. The architectural principle is no longer to separate the land with walls but to create an extension and connection between the interior and exterior. Cemí de Bohi features semi-open walls, allowing nature to be a main part of people’s life. Interior partition uses curved designs, with earth walls and wooden pillars forming individual bubble-shape spaces, matching the overall external shape while adding a sense of light and fun to the living environment.
The farm and buildings are connected by walking paths, creating a new symbiotic relationship. Outdoor fields surround the building complex, extending down the slope to the sea. Residents can look out through the screens formed by multiple wooden pillars to see endless farmland and the distant coast.
We believe that Cemí de Bohi can achieve a perfect integration of people, nature, agriculture, and living. Through the off-grid lifestyle, Cemí de Bohi will inspire people to yearn for a simple and pure life. We hope to create a self-sufficient environment, reconnecting the bond between people and the land, and allowing everyone to feel the inclusiveness and strength of Mother Earth.
About the Honorable Mention – Cosimo Scotucci
“Interesting concept reference and translation into architectural shapes, Nice integration of architectural shapes to respond to the design challenge.“
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your contributions have not only showcased exceptional architectural talent but also underscored the importance of sustainable design in addressing global challenges. The innovative ideas presented in this competition will undoubtedly inspire future projects aimed at creating resilient, self-sufficient communities in remote and underdeveloped regions.
The Samana Group and Sandbox Competitions are proud to have provided an opportunity for emerging architects to explore and contribute to the future of sustainable farming. We look forward to seeing the Samana Group Awarded project to be constructed in the Dominican Republic very soon.