PORTFOLIO PROJECT SPREAD
“ASSIGNMENT 3”
DESIGN REPRESENTATION II
SARAH AGUDO
O’CONNORS VACATION VILLA
“TROPICAL VACATION FAMILY HOME”
Living Room with open concept design, sharing the areas of Kitchen and Courtyard. Photographer: Tamocreando, SRL.
ABOUT
O’Connors Vacation Villa is a tropical private residence with 2,300 sq. ft. located in Encuentro Beach, a well-known surf town on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Designed as a vacation retreat for a Canadian family, the villa was conceived as a warm and relaxed escape from colder climates—a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle.
PROGRAMMING
- Front Terrace
- Entrance Hall
- Guest Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Living Room
- Courtyard
SCOPE OF WORK
- Concept development
- Space planning and programming
- Schematic and design development
- Material, furniture, and finish selection
- Custom furniture and cabinetry design
- 3D modeling and renderings
- Laundry / Utility Room
- Bedroom 1st Floor
- Office & Window Bench
- Bedroom 2nd Floor
- Master Bedroom
- Construction and interior drawings
- Client presentations and approvals
- Design execution and on-site coordination, ensuring design intent was fully realized
- Collaboration with contractors, artisans, and suppliers throughout the execution phase
O’CONNORS VACATION VILLA
PROJECT GOALS
1. To create spaces that feel calm yet sophisticated. 2. To blend the interior design seamlessly with the surrounding tropical environment.
3. To maximize functionality within a compact footprint by assigning purpose to every corner of the villa.
DESIGN APPROACH
1. A soft and neutral color palette was used as a foundation, contrasted with deeper tones such as black and warm browns. Materials like limewashed walls, travertine stone tables, and bouclé fabrics were selected to evoke comfort and –warmth. Different wood tones were layered throughout the space to add richness while maintaining a calm and cohesive atmosphere.
Second Bedroom with tropical view. Photographer: Tamocreando, SRL.
Living Room with open concept design, sharing the areas of Kitchen and Courtyard. Photographer: Tamocreando, SRL.
2. The layout is organized around open and fluid social spaces on the first floor, including a front terrace, an open-concept living room and kitchen, and an interior courtyard divided only by a sliding glass door that brings natural light, ventilation, and greenery into the heart of the home. A double-height staircase connects the main social areas with the upper level, creating visual continuity throughout the space.
3. Spatial opportunities were identified and transformed into functional and experiential moments. A previously unused corner beneath the staircase was converted into a mini-bar, enhanced with lighting and mirrors to add depth and character. Additionally, a transitional hallway connecting the staircase to the primary bedroom was reimagined as a flexible workspace, featuring a built-in desk and a window bench that allows for both focused work and relaxed moments while enjoying natural views and ventilation.
Living Room highlighting mini-bar. Photographer: Tamocreando, SRL.
Custom Furniture detail by author.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The design concept is rooted in an elevated tropical approach, where contrast and balance guide the overall atmosphere of the villa. Black and white elements provide visual structure, while natural textures, warm woods, and organic materials soften the space and connect it to its surroundings. This approach allows the villa to reflect the relaxed surf-town spirit of Encuentro while maintaining a thoughtful and intentional interior identity.
Sketch Up +Enscape of Living Room with open concept design, sharing the areas of Kitchen
Moodboard collage by author. Program used: Adobe Photoshop.
Living Room schematic sketch by author.