# Casa Rosabaya: A Coastal Residence with Geometric Precision Arkina's Dominican Republic house balances bedroom views with limited waterfront space. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-09-11 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2ed8538b-714d-47d4-93ed-c0c5aeb8acc6 ## Design Challenge Casa Rosabaya faced a unique geometric constraint: accommodating twelve bedrooms, each requiring direct ocean views, on a narrow lot with only 37 meters of sea frontage. Architects Monica Desangles and Joey Rapaglia of Arkina developed an innovative layout to meet this demand while maintaining aesthetic coherence. The 1,300 sqm residence showcases how architectural creativity can overcome spatial limitations through careful planning and material choices. ## Material Selection The project extensively uses concrete, chosen for its structural capabilities and aesthetic versatility. This material allows for clean lines and durable construction in the coastal environment. The architects employed concrete not just as a structural element but as a finishing material, creating a harmonious relationship between the building's form and its natural surroundings. The choice reflects contemporary trends in Caribbean residential architecture. ## Spatial Organization The residence's layout carefully balances private and communal spaces. All twelve bedrooms face the water, arranged to maximize views while maintaining privacy. Common areas flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, taking advantage of the tropical climate. The design creates distinct zones within the property without compromising the overall sense of openness and connection to the ocean. ## Environmental Considerations Situated in the Dominican Republic's coastal zone, the house responds to its tropical context. Large overhangs and strategic window placements provide shade while allowing ocean breezes to circulate naturally. The concrete construction offers thermal mass benefits, helping regulate indoor temperatures. These passive design strategies reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems in the warm climate. ## Architectural Photography Victor Stonem's photographs capture the residence's relationship with its environment. The images highlight how the building's geometric forms interact with natural light throughout the day. Shadows cast by the structure create dynamic patterns that change with the sun's movement. The photography emphasizes the textural qualities of concrete against the softness of the surrounding landscape. ## Local Context The design respects Dominican architectural traditions while introducing contemporary elements. Regional building techniques informed construction methods, adapted to modern standards. The project demonstrates how international design firms like Arkina can create site-specific architecture that responds to local conditions while bringing global design perspectives to the Caribbean context. ## Client Requirements The brief called for a residence that could accommodate large family gatherings while providing private retreats. The solution created distinct wings connected by shared spaces, allowing simultaneous use by multiple family units. Each bedroom functions as a self-contained suite, with careful attention to storage and amenities to support extended stays by guests. ## Design Legacy Completed in 2021, Casa Rosabaya represents a significant contribution to contemporary Caribbean architecture. The project demonstrates how rigorous geometric planning can create functional beauty within challenging site constraints. It establishes Arkina as a firm capable of delivering sophisticated residential solutions that balance aesthetic ambition with practical living requirements in tropical environments. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1184902/casa-rosabaya-arkina — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._