Set in a soothing pastoral landscape along Pacific beaches, Azueros is one of those magical destinations where imagination comes from life - lazy afternoon by the pool, sandy feet padding across Japanese grass patios, relaxed dinners by candlelight – and a world of enchanting architectural details.
The Pacific Ocean laps the wide tan beaches and crashes into rocky coves along the coast. Verdant hills roll into one another, dipping into stream valleys, rising to vantage points sweeping ocean views.
Inspired by the environment, rich folkloric culture and history of Panamas Azuero`s Peninsula, the architecture of this ambitious residential community blends design elements from around the world, created by Giles Saint-Giles, a French designer-builder, and crafted by local artisans.
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When we arrived to the area, we walked the local villages and studied the way the houses were built, the way the rain hit the incline of the roofs, the material that would prove to be the most resistant and available locally, and tried to learn from how the local fisherman or farmer build his home”, says Mr. Saint Gilles, who came to the Peninsula with his wife Camille, nearly 10 years ago.
Homes are built to the contour of the land with materials and colors inspired by nature. Ochres invoke the sun and the golden tints of the dry season. Beiges echo the neutrals of muted browns of driftwood and sand. Mosaics of slate grey rocks from local riverbeds border smooth terracotta tiles made from the red earth of the region.
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The idea was to create an architecture native to the region that is not artificial or imposed, one that is informed by and grows out of the natural surroundings,” explains Mr. Saint-Gilles, whose portfolio includes fashion boutiques for Jean-Louis Scherrer and Pierre Cardin, Saudi Arabian palaces, luxury apartments in New York and Paris and chateaux renovations in the south of France.
Mr. Saint-Gilles, now 62 and a Panama resident, shakes his head at the idea of easing into retirement after finding his perfect ocean-side retreat. He is also busy designing another palace in Saudi Arabia, but he exacts the same attention to detail and quality in Azueros as he does in designs for princely estates. “
Quality is not just a question of means but of concept and design, after which of course there is a ladder of detail and luxury,” he explains. And quality at Azueros is defined by a refined vernacular architecture which prefers durable, indigenous materials, lustrous finishes, a fusion of delightful details and the balance of volume and light.
The master-planned community includes a variety of Pacific view properties: estates of up to 10 acres with the equivalent of their own nature reserves, beachfront villas and studios, terraced residences in tropical garden enclaves, apartments in a village setting and Villa Camila, an elegant boutique hotel welcoming guest since 2005.
The residents of Azueros are an international mix of all ages from Panama, Europe, Canada and the United States, attracted by the region`s tranquility and the project`s distinctive design and demanding construction standards. Properties are sold with one of eight model homes best fit to the existing lay of the land, but clients consult directly with the architect to personalize their residences.
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I was very fortunate to it face to face with Mr. Saint-Gilles to design my house”, said Mohammad Younus, who heads Servicing and Default Resolution Corporation based in Anaheim, California. Although he travels extensively, Mr. Younus plans to spend a substantial amount of time in Azueros and ultimately retire there in a home whose design, he says, “
creates an amazing harmony and by own heaven on earth.”
His two-story villa sits atop a hil with dramatic views of the Pacific and features and elevated foundation and a cathedral ceiling. As the light fades into the Pacific, the interior becomes a prism of rich sunset hues. Floor-to-ceiling windows act as a frame for the glistening ocean along the eastern wall. Through the slats of custom-made teak doors, a soft light is diffused, and the shadows of swaying palms play across terracotta floor tiles. Wood-peg beams, smooth Venetian plaster walls, mosaics of river stones, teak and wicker furnishings custom-made in the Azueros` workshops are among the infinite details of the architect`s design realized by Azueros` artisans.
Before breaking ground on the first structure, Mr. Saint-Gilles set up workshops and an on-site training program where local artisans and builders develop their skill and learn the trade of Old World craftsmanship, originating in 16th and 17th century Europe. Through these programs, Azueros not only achieves the highest quality of workmanship, but also contributes to the development of the local economy. Many residents from the neighboring villages help to reforest the land and create Azueros` gardens.
With 75% of the project dedicated to plantations of native species and green areas, the Azueros vision goes beyond architecture as Azueros seeks to preserve and restore the land, land previously razed by cattle ranchers. Homes are surrounded by mahogany, acacia, bamboo, palms, fruit trees and an array of tropical hardwoods, typical to dry rain forest environments of Azuero Peninsula.
Privacy does not mean being disconnected from the rest of the world. Residents have access to high-speed fiber optic communications and global telephone services. The community`s charming village with its cobbled streets, artist lofts, cafes and shops will provide all essentials plus extras like organic vegetables grown in Azueros` own gardens. Residents will not have to go far for leisure pursuits- with tennis courts, a beach club and spa, horse stables, wide sandy beaches and nature trails on site. World-class fishing and secluded islands are just offshore.
Only 40 minutes by charter or commercial flight from the bustle of Panama City, Azueros is an easy 4-hour drive from Panama City over the Pan-American Highway through colonial towns and the province of Los Santos, famed for its folkloric history and festivals.
