A Sustainable Vision for Bespoke Homebuilding
Exploring luxury and full-service operations as the winning standard of Curaçao, construction
Operating within Curaçao’s home-building market, Aquarius Caribbean is emerging as one of the region’s leading players. The company’s skillful balance of quality, efficiency, and communication has earned it well-deserved recognition as an operational triumph.
Aquarius Caribbean reinforces its reputation as Curaçao’s premier bespoke home builder by maintaining strong client relationships, embracing sustainability, and expanding its offerings to meet evolving market demands. It’s a very dynamic and adaptable brand that continuously deepens its partnerships with architects, suppliers, and industry experts to push the boundaries of high-end, eco-friendly construction.
Of course, this is all supported by the impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail that Aquarius Caribbean is known for. Thanks to its underlying focus on streamlining processes and employee quality, the company does a great job fostering its skilled workforce. Aquarius Caribbean consistently invests in training programs and mentorship for employees to improve service quality, which ensures that it remains a desirable employer in the competitive construction sector.
Additionally, the company leverages innovative building materials that withstand Curaçao’s climate to enhance the longevity and sustainability of many of its projects, which is why Aquarius Caribbean is known for its eco-friendliness. Fortunately, this knack for unique materials also strengthens the company’s supplier relationships, which has helped it proactively navigate past material shortages and keep projects on time and within budget even during the most dire of circumstances.
When all these elements come together, they reveal a flourishing picture of Aquarius Caribbean—not just as a builder but as a trusted partner in creating dream homes. This company’s success is defined by a growing portfolio of exquisite, sustainable residences, a highly skilled and dedicated team, and a reputation so strong that when people think of the finest luxury home builder in Curaçao, they think of Aquarius Caribbean.
Building a Legacy on Quality, Relationships, and Family Values
Rooted in a legacy of family-driven values, Aquarius Caribbean stands as a beacon of distinguished quality in the bespoke homebuilding industry.
“Aquarius Caribbean was founded with a vision of creating high-quality homes, and it’s a family company,” says Managing Director Daniëlle Balentina-van Lieshout. Established by van Lieshout’s father in Curaçao, the company has grown under her leadership while maintaining the essence of its founding stance.
As the third-generation leader, van Lieshout ensures that Aquarius Caribbean upholds its foundational principles while adapting to the evolving demands of the luxury home market. This has certainly earned the company a generous amount of prestige.
“When I took over, I wanted to keep family values in the company, but our core will always be delivering quality homes. And because of that, we don’t have a lot of promotion or advertisement; almost everything is done by word of mouth through client referrals,” van Lieishout explains.
Aquarius Caribbean primarily thrives on its reputation rather than traditional marketing strategies, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of its clients. This organic approach not only highlights the public perception of the company’s craftsmanship but also highlights its ability to consistently meet and exceed client expectations.
The result is a relationship-oriented approach to business that goes beyond the typical construction process. “I’m in contact with 90% of my clients long after their homes are completed,” van Lieshout shares. For Aquarius Caribbean, it’s not simply about finishing a project and moving on—it’s about maintaining a relationship, celebrating milestones with clients, and offering a personal touch that sets the company apart. “Our goal is not to be the biggest company… but the best. When someone in Curaçao thinks of the best builder for luxury homes, I want them to think of Aquarius,” van Lieshout says.
Internally, Aquarius Caribbean encourages ambition, collaboration, and high standards; it also operates within a flat hierarchical structure where teamwork is essential. Whether it’s administrative support or construction oversight, everyone, including van Lieshout herself, is willing to contribute beyond their designated roles. This philosophy strengthens the team’s cohesion and ensures seamless project execution while fostering a company culture where each team member is encouraged to develop to their full potential. Employees receive full support in their endeavors but are also held to high expectations from both clients and company leadership. There is a lot of freedom but also an equal amount of responsibility.
An Engaging, Creative, and Full-Service Construction ProcessWhat sets Aquarius Caribbean apart is its comprehensive, full-service approach to homebuilding.
“We take care of everything and ensure that our clients are fully relieved of any worries throughout the process, and I really mean everything. They can come to us for anything from purchasing land to even installing a Netflix account and everything in between,” van Lieshout explains.
Unlike competitors who may focus on select aspects of construction, Aquarius Caribbean provides an end-to-end solution—from land acquisition to final interior detailing.
The homebuilding process begins with an initial consultation, where clients tour active projects to gain insights that demystify the construction process and help them visualize their future homes. From there, the company collaborates closely with architects and designers to create customized plans. Clients remain actively involved throughout the construction phase, participating in video calls and on-site discussions to ensure their vision is accurately translated into reality.
Despite the competition, Aquarius Caribbean focuses on staying ahead through innovation and client-centric services. This forward-thinking approach has positioned the company as a trendsetter, with competitors often adopting Aquarius Caribbean’s practices months or years later. Each home designed by Aquarius Caribbean simply exudes resourceful and meticulous craftsmanship.
One standout project involved a client seeking pools at both the front and back of their hilltop home. Recognizing an opportunity to enhance both aesthetic appeal and property value, van Lieshout and her team proposed integrating a singular pool that extended through the house. The result was a breathtaking design featuring a glass walkway above the water, ultimately increasing the home’s market value by 20-25%. This level of creativity and strategic thinking exemplifies Aquarius Caribbean’s ability to integrate design aesthetics and long-term investment potential, resulting in homes that are not only visually stunning but also financially rewarding.
As the market evolves, so does Aquarius Caribbean’s commitment to staying at the forefront of construction trends. “We’re seeing a stronger demand from our clients to combine luxury with sustainability. As houses get bigger and more luxurious, clients want to have more electronic features. Still, they are also thinking about features like solar power, rainwater harvesting, and energy efficiency,” van Lieshout explains. This demand pairs well with the company’s selection of only the finest materials to ensure build quality. A critical partner in this endeavor is Kooyman, a hardware supplier comparable to Home Depot but tailored for the Caribbean market. “We have a very good, long-standing relationship with Kooyman. I believe they sell the best materials, and they give us the best quality service,” van Lieshout states.
Future Adaptations to an Ever-Changing Market
As Aquarius Caribbean looks to the next five years, this shift towards sustainability signals future challenges of a rapidly evolving market. The housing market in Curaçao is becoming more competitive, and with that comes the pressure to maintain a high level of service while keeping up with growing demand.
The challenges presented by Curaçao’s harsh climate often make traditional building materials unsustainable. “Wood, which is commonly used in construction here, doesn’t hold up well in our environment,” van Lieishout explains.
The intense heat and torrential rains often force builders to replace materials after only a few years of use. To counter this, Aquarius Caribbean is investing in alternatives such as durable plastics, recycled PVC, and carbon fiber. These materials offer longer-lasting solutions, reducing waste and increasing the sustainability of each project. “We want to be environmentally conscious, and these innovations help us meet our client’s desires for luxury while keeping an eye on sustainability,” van Lieshout says.
To combat these issues further, Aquarius Caribbean continues to strengthen its relationships with suppliers, keeping open lines of communication to ensure that it is always prepared for price increases or material shortages. Beyond the day-to-day hurdles, Aquarius Caribbean also recognizes the importance of scaling while staying true to its core values. While residential luxury homes remain the company’s primary focus, the company is also exploring new markets, including the possibility of developing small projects. “We want to make the process easier for clients by offering turnkey homes that are ready to move into,” van Lieshout says. This move will allow the company to continue growing without compromising the personal touch that has become its hallmark.
Additionally, as a business deeply rooted in Curaçao, Aquarius Caribbean values its role in the local community. One of the company’s major initiatives is to continue its collaborations with local trade schools. By offering internships and job training to young people, Aquarius Caribbean seeks to grow local talent from the ground up. By investing in the next generation of workers, Aquarius Caribbean ensures that it will continue to provide high-quality craftsmanship while fostering a culture of mentorship and development.
As Aquarius Caribbean looks to the future, its presence makes a simple yet profound statement to everyone in Curaçao’s home-building market: “Never compromise on quality. Have a genuine passion for the work, and keep an open mind to changes in the industry.” This business is about more than just building houses; it’s about building relationships and community and constantly innovating to meet the needs of a changing world. As Aquarius Caribbean moves forward, it continues to uphold the legacy of quality, innovation, and client-centered service that has defined the company for generations.
At a Glance
Who: Aquarius Caribbean
What: A prominent construction company based in Curaçao that specializes in bespoke luxury homes.
Where: Based in Curaçao
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