With all that Mauritius has to offer when it comes to residential property investment, how can you decide where to live? The best of the best promote location, island-style living and top-notch design. Asmara Beachfront Residences has all that and more. We spoke to local architect Eric Chavoix about what makes this project special.
You are Franco-Mauritian, so interpreting the island style comes naturally. What is unique about Asmara Beachfront Residences?
A In the last few years there has been a trend towards modern beach apartment projects. The challenge is for each new project to imagine a new design. If each project has its own signature – that respect for and response to the site as well as the brief – we can achieve a subtle balance between modernity and the typical Mauritian style.
Asmara is unique because the client, Société Horizon Suites Resorts Ltd understood the challenge to respect our beautiful Black River Bay by having a project that blends as discreetly as possible with the sea. That meant having to reduce his initial concept of 120 units on nine arpents to only 60 units.
Asmara will not only offer a sea view for everyone, but also space – with room for amazing landscaping. My first vision was that from Martello Beach looking towards Le Morne you would not have an apartment line right on the beach, spoiling it, but rather some nice, almost-traditionally designed « campements Mauriciens », comprising dry stone walls and thatch roofs in amongst the vegetation.
Which elements from nature specifically inspire your designs?
In the case of Asmara it was even more important as the project sits on an amazing, almost untouched site. My first concern was the impact that this project could have on the natural signature of Black River Bay. Then came the views from the site to the bay, the sea, La Tourelle Mountain, and even Le Morne.
In Asmara it was important that each unit have a sea view but still blend in to the natural environment. We had to make sure each villa incorporated some flat roofing so that the first-floor living area of the duplex behind it could still get the view. We placed the apartments on a small hill to make sure that even from the ground floor the owners could get some of the sea view between the duplexes.
What aspects of modern architectural style or trend are incorporated at Asmara?
Asmara is a mix of tropical and modern architecture. For example, the beach villas have this « campement » touch while the welcome and wellness pavilion has a really Mauritian hotel signature. They all have contemporary lines though. I call it a tropical, Mauritian architectural signature with a modern touch. The cubic design of the duplexes and apartments is more modern, but we use island materials to add that tropical touch. Sustainability has also been part of the design as you’ll see by the incorporation of cross ventilation and green roofs.
Geographic location
Those relocating to Mauritius or wanting to invest in property there should look no further than Black River. Asmara occupies a prime location in Tamarin, Black River, close to international schools and retail outlets. It is renowned for its scenic location and proximity to the Le Morne Brabant heritage site.
Advantages
• 28 apartments for purchase by foreigners
• A stone’s throw (110 metres) from the beach
• Proximity to nature walks, cycling, kite surfing, mountain climbing and hiking
• Resort-style amenities
• Beach Club
• Rental returns between 4% and 6% per annum
For the ultimate chance to purchase a beachfront property in Black River, contact:
Chris Lazare +230 5729 3842 or [email protected]
