This exotic residence on the beach of Manda island, Kenya may have snakes and sand flies, but it has much much more. It has romance! ?Architectural designer Claudio Modola seems to know how to survive and create beautiful durable structures in this wild, weathered area of the world. Giant sized striped lounging pillows are from locally woven organic fabrics.

A huge daybed sits on the veranda with a view to die for….wow! Talk about communing with nature.
There’s even a desk (everyone needs an office!) Notice the muslin fabric stretched around the perimeter. Its functional here, but also has a great look.

There is almost nothing more romantic than draped sheer fabric. In this case, again, it functions as mosquito netting. But it creates a sensuous mood, especially in the late afternoon light.

The bathroom sink is fashioned from a gargantuan clam shell ?that was collected from local waters. What a great idea! A fabric panel stretches across the ceiling. The structure is made of mangrove poles, palm leaves, mats and rope. Maintenance of this organic shelter requires energy and guts. Floor mats, roofing palms and many other things decay with the elements and termites and need replacing fairly frequently. However, there are those among us who think it might be worth it.

Photographs from The World of Interiors October 2008