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| Hillsborough Plantation, Dominica |
Architecture in the Caribbean can be traced back to indigenous Caribbean Amerindians, the Arawak and Carib Indians. Unfortunately the Amerindians had no written communication leaving no description of their architecture. However, Christopher Columbus documented descriptions of their dwellings.
Amerindians built tent like huts made from palm fronds with cone shaped roofs. Structural plans were circular and approximately 14 feet in diameter. Materials such as wild cane, rush, and bamboo were also used. Although quite simple in structure, the huts with stood strong winds and even hurricanes.
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| Amerindian Hut |
Fast forward to European arrival and African diaspora to the Caribbean; Spanish, French, English, Dutch, Native Indian and African influences was widely present in Caribbean Architecture. Characteristics included steep gables roofs, low facades, wide verandas, and shuttered windows.
The Copper and Lumber Store
The Copper and Lumber Store was built around 1783 by Lord Nelson as a storehouse for copper and lumber. Today the Georgian inspired building is now used as a hotel.
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| The Copper and Lumber Store |
Hemingway’s is located in St John’s Antigua. It was once a well-known hotel were Ernest Hemingway, American author, frequently visited. Today the it is a popular bar and eatery. The building’s roof has been altered throughout the years but its original wooden structure and veranda holds true to its traditional form.
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| Hemingway's Caribbean Cafe |
Rose’s Cottage
Rose’s Cottage is a Creole style structure characterized by its wood siding, small front porch, and glass panels in front door.
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| Rose's Cottage |
Bonnet Roof
A Bonnet roof is a French architectural style that is specific to Dominica Architecture. It is a four pitched roof which hangs over the structure to create protection from the rain and the sun.
A Bonnet roof is a French architectural style that is specific to Dominica Architecture. It is a four pitched roof which hangs over the structure to create protection from the rain and the sun.
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| Bonnet Roof |
Devon House
The Devon House was built in 1881 and was the home of George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. The Georgian influenced mansion is composed of brick and covered with wood. Verandas with balustrade decks wrap around the house on both floors. Today acclaimed restaurants and shops can be found at the Devon House.
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| Devon House |
Dominican Republic:
Tostado House
The Tostado House was built in the 16th century, home to Francisco Tostado, the first native university professor. The two-story house was built using stone, brick, and stucco. Today the Tostado House is the Museum of the Dominican Family where many documents on Dominican National Heritage can be found.
The Tostado House was built in the 16th century, home to Francisco Tostado, the first native university professor. The two-story house was built using stone, brick, and stucco. Today the Tostado House is the Museum of the Dominican Family where many documents on Dominican National Heritage can be found.
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| Tostado House |
Central Historic Archives
The Central Historic Archives was built in the 19th century in Scharloo, Curacao. Architectural features include arcade arches, balustrades, and applied elaborate ornaments above columns.
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| Central Historic Archives |
Sources:
Searching for Sugar Mills: An Architectural Guide to Eastern Caribbean by Susan Gordon
Historical Architecture in the Caribbean Islands by Edward Crain
By Valene Greene
www.veluxeinteriors.com
Great Post. Thanks for sharing. Your design ideas are really great! I like it. You can also go with the design style of Acla Works. They have 120 years of combined experience of working in the Caribbean.
ReplyDeleteAclaworks.Com