A remarkable work of contemporary architecture, nestled in Petite Anse, Saint Barthélemy. Villa Jangali embodies a vision of luxury in perfect harmony with nature, blending modernity, comfort, and sustainability to offer a rare sanctuary for those in search of exclusivity. Designed by renowned architect Isay Weinfeld, the project was locally supported in collaboration with Bruneau Ghezzi Architectes.
Based in Saint-Barthélemy, the Bruneau Ghezzi Architectes agency — founded by Yannick Bruneau and Jérémie Ghezzi — has been designing boldand responsible projects for over ten years, driven by the concept of “Augmented Nature,” where nature and architecture engage in subtle dialogue. Inspired by local lifestyles and cultures, their architecture finely reinterprets traditions while adapting to each context. Their expertise, rooted in Saint-Barthélemy, also extends internationally.
A Luxury Villa That Hides to Better Reveal Itself
In Saint Barts, within the spectacular setting of Petite Anse, Villa Jangali is unlike any other property. This five-bedroom luxury villa with pool and outbuildings follows a discreet, bioclimatic approach deeply respectful of its environment.
Conceived to blend seamlessly into the landscape while enhancing it, the villa brings together aesthetics, simplicity, preservation of natural space, and comfort.
Its motto could well be that of insiders: “To live happily, live hidden.”
Troglodyte Architecture, Preserved Landscape
From the very entrance, the tone is set: access to the villa is through a stone cave leading to an underground garage. Over 70% of the construction is buried, limiting its visual impact and allowing natural thermal regulation.
The different volumes are organized along a vertical circulation axis, in a layout reminiscent of troglodyte dwellings, taking advantage of the thermal inertia of the buried masses to reduce energy needs for air conditioning.
Bioclimatic Design Serving Comfort
The living space, positioned on the upper level, is covered by a four-sided roof that recalls the codes of local architecture, promoting natural ventilation and shading for the inhabitants.
The building’s orientation, shadow management, landscaping of exterior spaces, and limitation of glazed surfaces exposed to the sun are all elements designed to optimize thermal comfort without systematic reliance on technology. The project favors durable materials and a passive approach, in constant dialogue with the island’s climatic conditions: sunlight, trade winds, humidity, and salty air.
A Private Project with Public Benefits
Beyond the villa itself, this project was an opportunity to completely rethink the surroundings of Petite Anse beach, through close collaboration between the owner and St Barts local authorities.
• Structural reinforcement of the access road, damaged by cyclone Irma,
• Creation of a public parking lot, a turnaround area, and a new pedestrian access to the beach,
• Extensive landscaping to promote integration and combat erosion,
• Optimized management of runoff water,
• Voluntary land transfer by the owner to serve the public interest.
This project is an example of contextual and committed architecture, at the intersection of excellence, discretion, and sustainability.
For more information about Bruneau Ghezzi Architectes, visit the website: https://www.bg-architectes.com
Villa Jangali is offered for rent with Eden Rock Villa Rental
Design Architect: Isay Weinfeld
Local Architect: Bruneau Ghezzi Architectes
Text: Bruneau Ghezzi Architectes
Pictures credit: ©Laurent Benoit
Portraits of Yannick Bruneau & Jérémie Ghezzi: ©Studio Cabrelli
