Insitu Arch January 2009 issue

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CARIBBEAN ARCHITECTURE

JANUARY 2009

Schooner Bay work • live • eat • educate • play

Also inside...

BAH $8.50/CAN $9.05/$US $8.50

Engineer Nick Dean: Outside the Box Bruce LaFleur & Associates compliments St. Francis Cathedral Dr. Desiree Cox: Killin’ ‘em with Pretty

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acsac

association of commonwealth societies of architects in the caribbean

proinvest: a strategy to improve the business environment for architects The Caribbean region like many other developing countries reveals growing concerns about the deterioration of the physical environment, both natural and man made and the impact of this deterioration on the quality of life and environmental stability and sustainability. The evident deterioration and neglect contributes to social, cultural and economic impoverishment. The complexity of society in the Caribbean is amply reflected in the numerous and often confounding linkages which various islands have with one another and the outside world. The practice of architecture is no different.

Caribbean architects working in insular groups are so consumed with the demands of day-to-day professional practice and the internal operations of island and territorial contexts that they largely overlook global and regional issues; issues which may fundamentally alter the nature and scope of their practice and which if they continue to be neglected will further contribute to the deterioration of the environment.

Professional architects should play a much greater role in protecting public interest.

Read more at

www.acsac.net

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DEPARTMENTS

Executive Team chief executive officer magazine director chief financial officer legal consultant architectural consultant

Marcus Laing L.T. Huyler Michael Wilson Thamara Saunders T.J. Thompson

Editorial Team magazine editor design director content editors

photography

L.T. Huyler Tonika Cox Lola Albury-Smith (news) CJ Summerwood (news/copy) Inishka Lloyd (copy) Simone Francis (copy) Patrice Laing Andrea Major Lana Munnings-Basalyga Quickpics Bahamas Insitu Staff

Editorial Office (advertising, submissions, e-mails and inquiries) 242.376.4600 242.455.1200 insitu.magazine@gmail.com

Associations The Institute of Bahamian Architects The United States Green Building Council The American Institute of Architects The National Organization of Minority Architects The Federation of Caribbean Associations of Architects The Bahamas National Trust The Association of Commonwealth Societies of Architects in the Caribbean

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CARIBBEAN ARCHITECTURE

JANUARY 2009 ON THE COVER

Schooner Bay

work • live • eat • educate • play

38 08 EDITORIAL

24 SPECIFYING SPECIFICATIONS

WELCOME TO INSITU ARCH

FEATURES

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

26 INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECT:

14 ARCH NEWS

VAUGHN R. FOUNTAIN

19 CHARETTE:

DESIGNING FOR...

ARCH PLUS

22 THE AMENDMENT TO

THE STAMP TAX ACT AND ITS AFFECTS ON HOME BUYERS

30 NICK DEAN

“LIFE OUTSIDE THE BOX”

38 work • live • eat • educate • play

SCOONER BAY OF GREAT ABACO ISLAND

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CARIBBEAN ARCHITECTURE

JANUARY 2009

54 54 PLAN IT BAHAMAS

CREATES EXUMA VIEW

60 BRUCE LAFLEUR & ASSOCIATES

ADDS 20TH CENTURY DESIGN TO GOTHIC ST. FRANCIS CATHEDRAL

66 FIRM PROFILE:

CONSTRUCTION DESIGN SERVICES (CDS)

86 THE ROLE OF AN ARCHITECT:

68 SUSTAINABILITY & TRANSPORT

88 AIA REPORTS ON POPULAR

72 CARIBBEAN ARTIST:

DR. DESIREE COX KILLIN’ ‘EM WITH PRETTY

FASHION WEEK

CONTINUING EDUCATION DESIGN, MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT

& WEBSITES

96 CONTRACTORS’

TOP TEN RECOMMENDED BUILDING PRODUCTS

98 ARCH ADS

84 BRIDGES

HOME FEATURES

92 RECOMMENDED BOOKS

78 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD

ETHICS

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(Editor’s Note) 01.09 Insitu Arch - Architecture examined in its original place...

Marcus Laing, B.Arch, Assoc. AIA, Assoc. IBA (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

T

he year 2008 was one of global economic instability.

Countries were ravaged by war while natural disasters claimed the lives of hundreds worldwide. High fuel prices and sociopolitical unrest fanned the flames of schizophrenic financial markets, which now face an undecided future.

Yet, in the midst of everything, the world bore witness to perhaps one of the greatest sporting events in history. The Beijing Olympics showcase was a wonder eclipsed only by the ingenuity of the architects responsible for its venues, and both its opening and closing ceremonies.

Some of the most innovative architectural projects the world has seen came to life for two weeks. The National Stadium, designed by Herzog and deMeuron, truly set the standard for speed of construction and creativity. Aptly called the “Bird’s Nest”, its seemingly intertwining bowl-shaped envelope effectively hid the entire substructure and created the icon desired for the games.

Joining the stadium on the Olympic green was the National Aquatic Center which also made its architectural mark. This venue was nicknamed the “Water Cube” because of its steel space frame taking a liking to water bubbles on the exterior.

The Cube was able to seat 17,000 spectators while maintaining a controlled temperature and humidity to within preset limits.

Looking back at 2008 however, we must ask ourselves what have we done as an industry to counteract such economic shifts and make life just a bit easier for others in the countries here in our region. Have we come any closer to eliminating the traffic issues in our respective countries? Have we advocated that our various governments at least begin the process toward energy independence? What about national planning?

This year should be seen as one to take advantage of opportunity. We need to step back, analyze 2008, and see what we could have done differently and put it into action. We in the architecture, engineering and construction industry (AEC) need to look at our cities, our communities and our countries, see what they can be and make it happen.

We as an industry must begin to flex our muscles to right all that we can, through the knowledge we have. If we the professionals do not raise our concerns and provide solutions to the problems that only we have the appropriate answers to, then who will?

Marcus Laing

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(Letters & Email) 01.09 what’s up with welders?

My mother and I built our home in Coral Harbour and had intentions of securing with metal bars. The first welder (who happens to work with my mother) took so long to put the bars on the windows, someone actually did break in!! Luckily, this was before we moved in and there was nothing to steal. At this point we were getting quite nervous and really wanted to get the house secured.

We then moved onto welder number two (who is a friend of my uncle). He started out OK, by finishing a metal kitchen interior door to secure our rear entrance.

Then, he ACTUALLY called me to give me an update on how he was doing…

I couldn’t even get the other two welders to come to the house on any of the umpteen times that they were supposed to meet me there.

When Mr. Fowler was finished, he called to ask if I could meet him at the house so that he could install.

He stayed to supervise his workers while they completed the job, doing on site adjustments as necessary. Since completing the railing, we have gotten countless compliments on what a wonderful job he did — and we waited a fraction of the time than we did on either of the other welders!!!

Anyone looking to have any welding done, especially in wrought iron, I highly recommend, Superior Welding & Engineering, phone them at 242-328-8851 or email them superiorweldingbahamas@yahoo.com.

Sincerely TJ Thompson A happy customer!

Unfortunately it took almost one year - yes, I am not exaggerating - from the time that my mother paid for the material and had it delivered to him to even start our staircase railing… which to this day, has yet to be started.

After many frustrating months, a friend of mine (who is a contractor) recommended yet our third welder, who showed me something that I hadn’t seen in The Bahamas in a while: professionalism and common courtesy.

Mr. Witmour Fowler, of Superior Welding (Market Street South), had his office answer my e-mails promptly, came to the house to take measurements when he said he was coming, gave me a very reasonable quote (cost and time to complete) for the two styles that I wanted him to price.

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where are my windows?

My husband and I are building our house in a newer development on the western end of the island. Being on a budget, as many persons building their first and potentially only home are, we decided to use a local company to furnish our windows. We paid our deposit and it has been MONTHS since I heard anything from them!

I’ve called and been given countless excuses and apologies, and have yet to receive my windows. What can I do?

Waiting for Windows Dear Waiting for Windows

I am so sorry to hear about this ever vexing problem. So many times, people

are left with empty promises while waiting for different components of their home to come to fruition. You do have some recourse though. I hope that you solidified a contract with the company stating the cost, type of window, (whether they were hurricane glass) and time to complete the work. Even if you were not able to get this, your receipt stating the amount that you paid for a deposit and the time quoted would be sufficient for you to attach to a Demand Letter, the first step in a legal action. This letter will state that you want your windows delivered by a certain date or you would like your funds returned to you. If you do not get a positive response from this, you can then retain legal counsel.

Editor

response to roads overhaul letter Dear Editor,

I would just like to comment on a letter that was in your last edition concerning the roads in The Bahamas.

Jerry wrote that we in the capital know about the way the roads are always being dug up and the amount of traffic problems it causes. Let’s face it - anything in Nassau can cause traffic problems. The island is only so big and can only hold so many roads. When the government next has to run through our backyards to make more roads then what will people say?

I don’t care which country you travel to—at some point every country will do some road excavations but it won’t last forever. It’s quite easy to say ‘why can’t they work at night’, which sounds like a good idea and a good solution to the traffic problems, but even digging a road at night won’t guarantee that it will be

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(Letters & Email) 01.09 fixed by morning. In addition to this, we must first ask if the government can sustain to compensate these persons to work at night.

Don’t get me wrong, Jerry has a very valid point.

If all the government agencies would get together and come to agreements regarding digging then, instead of when one agency is done then another go behind and dig in the same spot, this will eliminate the problem to an extent; but I’m sure it’s a bit more complicated than that.

I just want to say that we who are on the outside looking in can always criticize and complain but do we really know the extent of the problem? As much as I do not like the road situation here in The Bahamas, I give credit to the government for trying to fix the problem. I’m certain it could be so much worse.

Sincerely, Ideal Reader

Congratulations Insitu Dear Editor,

I’ve had an opportunity to review the first issue of your magazine Insitu Arch. Even though, I confess that I know very little about architecture, I found your magazine quite interesting. I assume the whole idea is to reach not only an architecture audience, but also those like me who know nothing about the art. If this is the case, your first issue did a pretty good job of opening the minds and ideas of readers like me.

I just wish to comment and congratulate you on the standard of your magazine, which seems to be totally Bahamian in terms of its executive team. If this is the case, keep up the good work and I am sure that Insitu Arch will soon become a well known read not only to architects, but to many others.

Sincerely, Finishing Touch Editing Services

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staff that has

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d

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arch News

IBS Build-A-Bridge Challenge Integrated Building Services (IBS), a leading Bahamian engineering and consulting firm, will hold its annual IBS Build-A-Bridge Challenge April 3, 2009.

Geared toward 10th and 11th-grade students, its goal will be to provide a fun way to familiarize students with engineering and the applied sciences.

IBS will provide each five-member team with a kit containing popsicle sticks and white glue to serve as building materials with which to build a bridge to the stipulated specifications. On the day of the competition, the bridges will be carefully inspected to ensure that all requirements are met. Each team’s bridge is then loaded until the breaking point.

The lightest bridge that carries the greatest load will be declared the winner.

Challenge winners will receive great prizes such as IPods and of course, bragging rights. The competition is endorsed by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture as well as The Bridge Authority and the Bahamas Society of Engineers.

For more information about the challenge and becoming a sponsor phone 242-466-9970 or email bridgechallenge@gointegrated.com. Find out more about Integrated Building Services at www.gointegrated.com

Windsor – The new “Town Centre” for Western New Providence.

Slated to break ground in mid 2009, the Windsor Development will cater to residents of the growing western end in an unprecedented way.

Combining the historic nostalgia of Bay Street with 21st Century looks and planning principles, Windsor will be a mixed-use “main street” Town Centre; an essential component of the western district. It will serve workers at the Airport and AIP as well as residents of Charlotteville, Turnberry, Old Fort Bay, Lyford Cay and other future residential developments.

The mixed use community will house: • six (6) street-front, single storey retail buildings • four (4) mixed-use buildings with ground floor retail (32,000 sq. ft. – total) • upper floor office condominiums (32,000 sq. ft. – total) • two (2) anchor stores – retail (30,000 sq. ft. each) “This type of expansion is vital for the livelihood of a community” says one of the key developers, “Homeowners shouldn’t have to drive long distances for basic necessities. Communities should be self-sufficient.”

Look for this development to be featured in a future issue of “Insitu Arch” magazine.

One-Kilometer Tower Planned for where else…?

Dubai once again pushes the limits of architecture, engineering and construction with a tower planned to touch the sky. If built as planned, Nakheel Tower would surpass the record-tall 800-meter-plus Burj Dubai by some 200 meters.

Preliminary foundation work is under way on the tower, which is designed

by Australia’s Woods Bagot with structural consultant WSP Group working with Les Robertson, and consulting engineering firm of Norman Disney & Young.

In Memory Architects Gerard Brown Daniel Davies Norman Lynch Peter Whitney Engineers Chris Collie Kendall Jones Terry Nichols

Vincent D’Agulair Art Facility begins Construction In honour of Bahamian businessman Vincent Y D’Agulair, the D’Agulair family started a foundation to celebrate his life and his art. The prominent businessman amassed an art collection numbering more than 700 pieces of art and sculpture.

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Design-driven firm The Design Group Limited, Architects in conjunction with project managers, Michael Diggiss & Associates, were commissioned to renovate the old family house in historic Nassau for exhibiting and storage of the collection.

Construction began in November 2008 and the project is scheduled to be completed in May 2009. The works will be viewed by appointment and exhibitions will be announced regularly.

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arch News

Ross University to construct campus in Grand Bahama Ross University has appointed the Bahamian firm of Bruce LaFleur & Associates (BLA) as local architects and project managers for the construction of their new Grand Bahama campus, set to open in 2010.

Ross University, a division of DeVry Inc., announced the new campus in July 2008 during their 30th anniversary.

The new location will accommodate the growing demand of new students who wish to attend Ross University, which has a medical school campus in Dominica and a veterinary school campus in St. Kitts.

The Grand Bahama location will initially accommodate students in the University’s growing medical school.

The students will be housed and taught in 30,000 square feet of temporary space in Grand Bahama, opening in January 2009.

ABC Construction Company was the successful bidder for the construction of this interim campus with cost of works being approximately $2 million.

The 30,000 square foot interim campus location will include one large classroom arranged small group style,

American Institute of Architects 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition – April 30—May 2.

Mark your calendars for this annual event. Explore this year’s theme, ‘The Power of Diversity: Practice in a Complex World’, and learn how the industry is adapting to the changes within the architecture profession.

The convention offers more than 500 programs including workshops, seminars, tours and expo education.

Earn all the annual learning units you need over four days.

Visit more than 800 exhibitors and discover new products and technologies you can use in future projects. For more information visit WWW.AIACONVENTION.COM

and will accommodate approximately 180 students; 10 Problem-Based Learning (PBL) rooms for small group learning, which will be available for group study when class is not in session (equipped with a 10-person table, individual computer stations linked to the campus network, and white boards); eight Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) rooms (similar to an examination room and equipped with a sink, white board, exam table, and a dressing area); two study rooms located adjacent to the main classroom for individual study while classes are not in session; Simulation Center with four simulation rooms, each with a full headwall (wall units that house medical gas, electrical outlets, and fixtures for monitoring equipment) typical to that found in a US hospital, as well as state-ofthe-art human simulator units (opens into one large space for group learning when needed); a library with a computer lab with up to 44 computers, a student printing center, and a 24-hour quiet study room The brand new 60,000-80,000-square-foot permanent facility is scheduled to break ground in 2009, and be opened the following year. Capital expenditures related to opening The Bahamas location, including land and buildings, is expected to be in the range of $35-$60 million over the next five years.

2009 Committee on Design Ideas Competition International Bamboo Design Competition

Building

An Architecture Design Competition of Structural Bamboo Buildings “Visionary Designs for Ecological Living” This competition was created to develop new award winning designs for bamboo buildings; raise awareness of the use of certified structural bamboo for building code approved structures and introduce architects, designers and builders to working with bamboo as a structural material.

The AIA Committee on Design (COD) invites architects, students and allied design professionals to submit sketches to the International 2009 COD Ideas Competition.

In this unique sketch competition, submitters are asked to explore the legacy of modernist design through a concept design problem.

Winners will receive funding to attend the COD Spring Design Conference in Boston and have their work exhibited at the 2009 AIA National Convention in San Francisco. Selected entries will be displayed on the AIA Web site.

For more information visit www.bamboocompetition.com

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arch News

Contractors’ Seminar Series The Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Works and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and sponsored by the Albany Development, held the its first “Contractors Seminar Series” at the BCPOU Hall in October/ November 2008.

Held over four (4) Thursday evenings, contractors and other interested persons were given the opportunity to get vital information for becoming better in business and ask pertinent questions relating to the industry.

With over 200 persons registering for the seminar series, the attendance was overwhelming. Mr. Steve Wrinkle, President of the BCA mentions that he did not expect such a positive response and it shows that the Bahamian community is hungry for information and eager to step up to the plate to compete in the global market.

With topics such as Contract Negotiation, Estimating, Project Management Administration and Contract Close Out, the seminar series was hosted by local Architects and Consultants. The series was quite timely; “Professionalism is key in all aspects of business” quoted one participant, “this helps all of us (contractors) get ready to present the Bahamian public with a better product.”

Mr. Wrinkle also reviewed the Contractors Bill, which is in its final review before moving to Cabinet for Parliamentary action. “This gives all contractors an even playing field on which to compete and win projects…. This bill will help everyone in the long run…it will allow contractors to bid against those who built similar projects, allow for testing to move from one level to the next, and give the BCA the right to discipline unscrupulous contractors.

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A BCA certificate was issued at the end of the series to all participants, which will count toward becoming licensed contractors for those who qualify. For those that were not able to attend the series, a four-DVD set is available. Given the phenomenal turn-out, this is the first of many seminar series to look forward to from the BCA. For more information on the seminar series or the BCA, please contact The Bahamas Contractors’ Association, email: bca@coralwave.com, web site: www.bahamiancontractors. com.

Mr. Dennis Attfield, Executive Director

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arch News

It’s Party Time!!!

After months of planning, the Insitu Arch team hosted a myriad of patrons and contributors at the official launch reception on Saturday, September 27th, 2008, at the Caves Village Plaza on West Bay Street, Nassau, The Bahamas. Guests were wined and dined under a starry sky while enjoying great company and conversation. Those that attended were given a “sneak peak” at the highly anticipated first issue (October 2008) which includes articles on Continuing Education, Arch News, Charette and a feature on Bahamian architect Fred Perpall and artist Nicole Collie.

Marcus Laing, CEO of Insitu Arch, gave a brief speech to thank attendees and the executive team and invited all to enjoy the evening.

“This magazine comes at a time when we as professionals and as a country need to focus on our future – the development and planning of our country, care for our natural resources, economic stability and the interconnectivity of the built community in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean.” The publication is committed to elevating all aspects of the profession and related fields through exposure, advocacy, continuing education and product selection resources.

Insitu Arch magazine invites all professionals and the general public “to be a part of history in the making.” This venture is about how we will be seen on the global market, and the necessity for practical and efficient design practices to blend the built environment in harmony with the natural.

FIRST WORLD ENGINEERING (BAHAMAS) LIMITED

FWEBL

Project Management Project Development Construction Management Environmental Engineering Construction Engineering Engineering Consultants Civil Works & Infrastructure

Construction Management Specialist Client satisfaction and understanding of the solution process are important to First World Group of Companies. We believe that the solution should fit the problem. Our reputation for service is second to none, and our entire staff stands ready to work with you and your company.

Our Services include:

Scheduling Planning Cost Engineering

• • • • • • •

General Construction Construction Management Services Project Development & Engineering Design Cost Engineering Construction Estimating & Scheduling Constructability Reviews Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Architectural Design Researchers

Our Project Development and Construction Management Team implements “best practices” for the project development and construction processes as well as provide specialty operation and maintenance services. Our quality control and quality assurance process provides project oversight and value engineering with a goal to realize cost savings and guarantee project schedule delivery.

Our services are covered by professional insurances: Professional Indemnity and Errors & Omissions-$5,000,000.Contractors all risk greater than $1,000,000 and Public Liability greater than $1,000,000.

ENGINEERS-PLANNERS-ARCHITECTS-CONTRACTORS ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS Civil -Environmental & Construction Engineering #3 Caves Professional Center • P.O.Box SP 63161 • Nassau Bahamas

Tel (242) 327-8242 (Bah) • Fax (242)-327-4600 (Bah)

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info@fwebahamas.com • Judson@fwebahamas.com • bahamajudw@msn.com

charette

Let’s call it constructive criticism...

DESIGNING FOR THE HANDICAPPED In today’s modern world of touch-screens, voice-activated gadgets and digital devices, some things have come a long way.

Unfortunately this progression with regard to the handicapped is at a standstill. Usually when people think of equality and human rights images of race, gender, freedoms and preferences come to mind. But very few people give a second thought to the group that already faces challenges on a daily basis, the handicapped.

With a lack of consideration, virtually no means to assist their various challenges and no sign of any intent to accommodate them, the handicapped in the region are reaping no benefits from their society.

The mindset is clear, when a handicapped person does an everyday task it is seen as amazing. Why is it amazing for a handicapped person to drive a car or cook dinner? These people need the normal everyday things in their life to live just like everyone else does.

They are not special, they’re human.

Their disability just tells society that they need a bit more assistance with the regular things in life. If a child has problems seeing his or her parents get their eyes tested and then get them the proper glasses so that they may see clearly to do what all the other kids do. Likewise, if someone is confined to a wheelchair, then provisions like wheelchair ramps, accessibly wide corridors and door widths for a wheelchair to fit comfortably should be standard to allow these people to do what everyone else also does.

It’s an old concept. People have always been disabled and it’s about time we recognize them in every facet of society especially in the realm of public access.

Most governments in major countries around the world have adapted disability or handicap legislations to ensure that the right to everyday life is enjoyed by those less capable of regular tasks. To encourage productivity and to give these people their God given pride back.

Items typically covered by these laws are employment, public transportation, education, healthcare, labor, housing and building design to name the main elements. The term

commonly used in the realm of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) is ‘accessibility’.

Accessibility refers to a site, building, facility or parts thereof being in a condition where anyone, whether able or disabled, can use it with regular ease all of its functions.

This of course means that if a person can go into a building address a counter and ply for service this very action should be available for everyone.

Look at today’s society, the grocery store, restaurant, multiplex. Do you see provisions for someone with mobility challenges to do the very things you can, purchase a ticket, use the bathroom, approach a cashier? Is there a ramp at the entrance and if there is, how steep is it? What is the finished surface? How high are the guardrails if there are any? Is there an elevator?

The deaf and blind are probably left out the most. I cannot remember seeing visual, auditory or touch signs and signals hardly anywhere. I admit you will find these elements at various international franchises whose main offices are based where these needs are law, but not in our region. Airports, libraries, hospitals, clinics, public buses, post offices, the list is endless.

The ones with the knowledge are ethically responsible to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. A huge part of the blame for this falls squarely on the shoulders of the design personnel.

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charette Let’s call it constructive criticism...

Typical training in construction, engineering and architecture has a heavy focus in handicap accessibility and it is expected that this knowledge is used every time. As a design professional I often examine buildings that I visit, and after realizing how poorly it was designed, identify the architect so that I can know who the insensitive mind behind the design is.

Granted many times a designer is bound by his client’s wishes, but this is no excuse.

I have seen times where a professional allowed an untrained client to convince him why he should not care about a man who could barely get to a destination and now cannot access a building for service due to the absence of an elevator. That very designer will argue, however, for some aesthetic design element that will have absolutely no impact on the end user.

Can you imagine how many handicapped people in our society are bound, not because of their disability, but by the lack of access to everyday life?

Sometimes I observe vagrants on the street in wheelchairs or other disabilities and wonder, with more access, could this person have done better? I guess we won’t know anytime soon.

With no professionals or handicap organizations seriously lobbying for legal standards, designers will continue to design small bathrooms, ramp-less entries and spaces with no regard for the impaired.

It is the responsibility of the design community and the persons directly affected by this lack of regulation to advocate for standards and for the enforcement of those standards.

Handicapped elements should be a mandatory requirement in the design of any facility, building or part thereof where it is intended for public use. Everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

For the handicapped all they need is a hand to do that.

Handicap Building Guidelines The following are just a few of a very long list of rules which should be applied to all buildings on behalf of handicapped persons.

Checkout Aisles: In new construction, accessible check-out aisles should be provided...

Doors: Doorways should have a minimum clear opening of 32 in (815 mm) with the door open 90 degrees.

Elevators: All elevator hoistway entrances should have raised and Braille floor designations provided on both jambs.

Handrails: Top of handrail gripping surfaces should be mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and 965 mm) above ramp surfaces.

Parking Spaces: Accessible parking spaces should be at least 96 in (2440 mm) wide.

Ramps: The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction should be 1:12.

Sinks: Shall be mounted with the counter or rim no higher than 34 in (865 mm) above the finish floor.

Stairs: On any given flight of stairs, all steps should have uniform riser heights and uniform tread widths. Open risers are not permitted.

Water Closets: The grab bar behind the water closet should be 36 in (915 mm) minimum.

Turning Spaces: The space required for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn is a clear space of 60 in (1525 mm) diameter.

Guidelines were provided courtesy of http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/

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www.bahamasarchitects.com 149 Nassau Street PO Box CB-13040 Nassau, NP (242) 326-3114

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ARCH plus The Amendment to

The Stamp Tax Act & Its Affects on Home Buyers

The Amendment to the Stamp Tax Act There has been a recent enactment of The Stamp • When purchasing and financing a residential home the Act applies. It is also applicable in instances of purchasing a (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2008 (hereinafter after referred residential home via a mortgage and the consolidation loans to as “the Act”). The Act empowers first time homeowners in connection with the house. and gives them an opportunity to get in the property market.

This Act is a further expansion on the foundation of its predecessor the Stamp Act 2002. This article will provide • The transfer of mortgages from one lending institution a summation of the Act and more particularly how it will to another. affect prospective homeowners.

• In home mortgage transactions and/or other domestic loans.

What is Stamp Tax?

What doesn’t it apply to?

It is the implementation of tax by the government on certain deeds. The tax crystallizes in instances when there is a transfer of According to the Act a purchaser of vacant land only is not ownership, of property i.e., in a Mortgage and or a Conveyance exempted from stamp tax. transaction by a lending institution. The stamp tax payable in respect of the said property is determined by the value of the property or the consideration paid in lieu of the purchase.

The Act requires that the property must be zoned for residential

purposes, to qualify for the exemption.

Buyers of Townhouses & Duplexes

What does the Act do?

In instances where a Conveyance and/or a Mortgage transactions The Applicant must intend to live in a portion of the duplex are $500,000 or less, the Act applies. and or the townhouse.

How is the does the Act apply?

The exemption will be granted only on half of the value of the The Act applies to first-time homeowners respectively. It duplex and or townhouse. also enables persons who have not previously applied for an exemption to apply.

How do I apply for exemption?

It is only applicable to residential property. It is mandated that The application is usually made after the close of the transaction the property be zoned specifically for residential purposes. The by the purchaser’s Attorney.

Act will only affect property transactions from 1st July, 2008 to 30th June, 2013.

The Application is made to the Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance by an Affidavit. The Affidavit is must executed by the person or persons seeking exemption.

When does it apply?

• If a buyer is purchasing a house, a condominium or townhouse for residential purposes. The Act provides them with the benefit of a stamp tax exemption on the same.

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ARCH plus What the Applicant’s Affidavit must state: • The applicant must state their intention to construct a dwelling house and reside in it for a period of not less than nine months; or • Is currently an occupant and resides in a dwelling house; or • The applicant intends to occupy and reside in the dwelling house for a period of not less than nine months; • The applicant must indicate that there is no other dwelling house held by him or on his behalf for which an exemption has already been applied for or granted.

• If it is discovered that a person has sworn a false Affidavit it is subject to a fine of up to $5,000.

The processing of the application The application will be distributed by the Ministry of Finance to someone within the relevant department of the ministry. The ministry will advise the purchaser’s Attorney by letter if the application has been successful.

If the application is successful, the Affidavit is stamped and forwarded to the Public Treasury accompanied by the Conveyance and or Mortgage for stamping. The aforementioned is subsequently sent to the Registrar General’s for recording purposes.

By: Thamara Saunders Attorney –at -Law Thamara T. Saunders, was educated at Buckingham University (LLB Hons.) and BBP Professional in London, England. She was called to the England & Wales Bar on July 28, 2005, and The Bahamas Bar on September 30, 2005. Saunders practices commercial law and civil litigation. She is a member of The Bahamas Bar Association and Lincoln’s Inn.

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Specification writing can be considered a

ARCH plus

long lost art in The Bahamas. The construction industry worldwide provides so many building material options and new products are appearing at lightning speed. However, the need for specification manuals becomes vital for a more efficiently run construction project.

Specifying Specifications Specifications call out what quality performance is expected for every element of the works to be completed. They act as a more detailed explanation of the instructions to complete the project to the level that is agreed upon by all parties entering into contract: Owner and Architect or Owner and General Contractor.

The specifications manual, in conjunction with the construction documents and the addenda, are the key ingredients to the contract for the project. These elements spell out exactly what the project entails, the items to be agreed upon, the way the project is to be run, etc.

Regardless of how similar specifications manuals may be, each and every project should be viewed as if it’s the very first project that a contractor has bid on.

No two projects are alike even if they are produced by the same architecture firm.

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There is the potential for different clients, weather conditions, constraints, building programs and newer building materials used.

Specifications are critical in the creation of bid/ tender documents. They allow all contractors competing for a bid to be on a leveled playing field because there is no guesswork in what is expected. They can be written in two most common ways, sequential and elemental.

Sequential specifications list everything from the site clearing and foundation to laying tiles, painting walls and general cleaning before the client takes possession of the structure.

Elemental specifications usually follow the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) format. The recognized industry standard arrangement is one that is most commonly used in The Bahamas, and is the format of the “big green books”, also known as the Sweets Catalogues.

ARCH plus The Institute conducted a major overhaul in 2004, that expanded the very “well known” 16 divisions to now 50 divisions in order to address the advances in technology, integration of systems and the need for sustainable energy.

The following is an example of the specifications that can be written into the manual in selected divisions.

General Specifications: These can be related to most projects with similar geographical, topographical and other structural conditions: Division 1: General Requirements Firms may include items such as the Administrative and Quality Requirements for the project Division 3: Concrete 3.5 – Cover for reinforcement should be as indicated on the drawings but in no case should it be less than: a) three inches (3”) when in contact with the ground b) two inches (2”) when exposed to weather c) one and a half inches (1½”) – internal beams and columns d) three quarters of an inch (3/4”) – internal slabs and walls

Generating the specifications manual allows effective communication.

Specific to the actual project – these may be chosen because of the architects preference for a particular product or material because of years of experience of use, specific characteristics of the product, availability, ease of use in a given environment, warranty, etc. Architects provide a series of “spec” or “cut” sheets on these items, which describe colour, type, dimensions, and any other pertinent characteristics of the item. The internet has made this process much more efficient, as persons can visit web sites such as Anderson, Fypon and Spectis and print the exact product that is intended for the project.

Division 8: Doors and Windows Anderson Tilt Wash Double-Hung 400 Series Windows Specific to the client – these items have such variety or can be so specific for a custom project, that it can be a very challenging task for the architect or designer to fulfill the exact wishes of the client. In the cases, a CASH ALLOWANCE is usually allocated toward these items. This actual cost of the item when purchased is evaluated against the cash allowed in the contact. If the total amount exceeds the amount allocated, the owner owes the contractor the difference. If the total amount is under then the contractor has a credit for owner – this excess can be allocated to another portion of the work as agreed to in the contract.

Division 9: Finishes (Tiles)

Division 12: Furnishing (Countertops)

Division 15: Mechanical (Plumbing fixtures)

Division 16: Electrical (Lighting Fixtures) The newer divisions, introduced in 2004, incorporate elements that even 20 years ago were not a major aspect of the building process.

Technological advances, the fact that the AEC community is becoming more and more intertwined and the accountability for safety issues, gave way to the necessity for key new areas: Division 27: Communication (Data, Voice, Cable, Audio, Video) Division 34: Transportation (Traffic/ Rail/ Airfield signals) The combination of the economy and the environment has made it imperative to include areas that address the need for responsible green living: Division 44: Pollution Control Equipment (Solid waste control, water treatment and filtration etc.)

Division 48: Electrical Power Generation (Solar energy) Commercial projects may address areas that are not necessary for most residential such as handicap access, vertical movement (escalators and elevators) and waterway and marine construction.

Generating the specifications manual allows effective communication; a jobsite that is more conducive to work than conflict and provides a better product for the client at the end of the day due to all parties working toward the same collective goal.

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International Architect With a keen eye for design and a hunger for the trade, Vaughn Ricardo Fountain is a star on the rise in the international architectural arena.

This Bahamian native first became interested in art and architecture after being inspired by one of his high school teachers at Kingsway Academy. Fountain enrolled at the College of The Bahamas immediately after graduation to pursue a degree in architecture.

Fountain says the decision was the best he ever made and credits his grasp of the basic fundamentals of Architectural Design to COB lecturers, Henry Hepburn and Amos Ferguson. Fountain graduated in 1997 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Architecture from the College of The Bahamas. The following year he transferred to Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama on a partial academic scholarship. There, Fountain continued his academic excellence by being named to the “Who’s Who” among American Colleges and Universities, the National Dean’s list and among other national honor societies. He graduated in 2001, Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Tuskegee University.

After graduation, Fountain accepted a position at Preston Partnership Architects and Engineers, a mid-size retail and multi-family disciplinary design firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. His thirst for knowledge eventually motivated him to take on a more challenging position at Rosser International, a larger design firm also in Atlanta, Georgia.

There, he progressed from a young, knowledgeable Intern Architect to a confident and experienced Project Architect.

Fountain is still employed at Rosser International where he has worked on a variety of projects within the United States as well as internationally.

One notable international project has afforded Mr. Fountain the opportunity to work and reside in the Middle East, in particular, Abu Dhabi, a city one hour north of Dubai located in the United Arab Emirates. Some of Fountain’s relevant projects include the Gwinnett County Court House, and the Florida A & M University Teaching Gym.

architect Vaughn Fountain on construction site in Dubai

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Gwinnett County Court House, Lawrenceville, Georgia Completed in August 2004.

This four-storey 105,000-square-foot facility at a cost of $14 million is designed to serve as a transitional function for the county over the next six to eight years. In short term, it will house three County Recorder’s Court, administrative and judicial offices. Juvenile court hearings from the nearby County Justice Center will also be performed at this facility. This will serve as an interim solution to the county’s judicial space needs.

Therefore, the building design has to work for two proposed uses. Initially, it has to accommodate the specific set of functions related to courthouse design, including the security requirements of screening the public, holding prisoners and the separation of public, staff, and prisoner movement patterns throughout the building. Subsequently, it has to adapt in order to provide the flexibility for unspecified future government office space.

The long-term use of this building is intended to provide space for the county as an office building, accommodating services to the residents of Gwinnett County in the future, as the county continues to grow.

The resulting configuration addresses this dual function by locating fixed elements, such as elevators and public toilets, external to the basic rectilinear footprint, while utilizing flexible walls and movable equipment throughout the rest of the structure.

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Florida A&M Teaching Gym, Tallahassee, Florida Scheduled to be completed February 2009.

At a construction cost of $34 million, the new teaching gymnasium at Florida A & M University will be the new home to the FAMU Rattlers basketball team. The building is approximately 140,000 square feet in area and is composed of storage, staging, locker rooms for teams and referees, hardwood gym floor on the lower level, fitness academic on the second level, the main spectator concourse on the third level and offices and classrooms on the fourth level.

The facility includes a 10,000-seat arena for basketball games, practices, concerts and convocation ceremonies, as well as support spaces for classes, storage and locker rooms. The tiered seating bowl extends from the concourse to the event floor and is composed of both fixed and telescoping seating platforms with both chair and bench seating. The telescoping seating platforms retract on three

28 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 28

sides to accommodate four basketball courts at the event level for physical education classes and team practice.

Centrally located on campus and adjacent to the football stadium, this building will become the focal point on campus and will also accommodate additional shared parking spaces for both complexes.

Designed with the handicapped in mind, this facility provides handicap accessibility at all levels and handicap seating with companion seating on three levels including the event floor, the concourse, and the upper mezzanine offices. This state of the art complex will enhance the school’s academic program and will be used to recruit top athletes from around the country to the school.

“Life outside the box is a bout thinkin It’s about b g uilding some thing brick b big. y brick, idea by ide a.�

A

t 37 years old, Nick Dean is the principal of Integrated Building Services, Ltd. (IBS); one of the leading providers of engineering and land development services in The Bahamas. As a part of the core services on land development projects IBS provides designs for road networks, sanitary sewer systems, water distribution systems, storm water management systems, telecom systems and power distribution systems.

The depth of services offered

by IBS truly comes into focus when considering some of the other essential services such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and structural engineering design and consultation that the company has provided for numerous projects. Over the course of nearly a decade, IBS has worked on some of the largest development projects in The Bahamas such as Albany, Baha Mar and Schooner Bay. The company has also completed numerous residential projects in

30 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 30

New Providence such as Turnberry II, South Ocean Estates and West Winds. One of the most interesting aspects of these accomplishments is that the IBS team consists of internationally-licensed, Bahamian professional engineers; all of whom come highly qualified and, like Dean, are under the age of 40.

After the success of IBS, Dean went on to form another company called Caribbean Coastal Services (CCS). Dean and his partner, Scott Blacquiere, recognized the need to service a market previously dominated by foreign service providers. CCS boasts a large cache of cutting-edge equipment and software which is used to provide design and project management services for marinas and coastal works. Since its inception in 2005, CCS has participated in projects as varied as turbidity monitoring in Nassau Harbour during the Atlantis Phase III construction and construction quality control for the

new marina at the Powell Pointe project in Cape Eleuthera.

Considered a local industry expert, Dean is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Georgia and Florida, a charter member of the Structural Engineering Institute and is currently in his second term as a board member of the Bahamas Society of Engineers. Dean has participated as a presenter in several local and international conferences and appeared on television as an expert on structural design to quell local fears after the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota in 2007.

A few years ago Dean recognized a disturbing decline in interest in engineering and the applied sciences amongst Bahamian high school and college students. As a View of space and inside. way to provide anevent interactive educational experience for local

“Life Outs

ide The Box” - Nick Dean

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Sunnyside Condo Nassau, Bahamas

Chub Cay secondary school students, Dean created the IBS BuildA-Bridge Challenge. The challenge is a popsicle stick bridge-building contest for 10th and 11th-grade students.

The event has been a resounding success with over 14 government and private schools participating in the inaugural event.

By all appearances, Dean thinks in multidimensional terms... How can this be better? How can we improve the impact?

Intrigued, Insitu sat down with Dean to find out more about what he thinks about real estate, leadership, his role as an 32 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 32

entrepreneur in the Bahamian market and what life is like outside the box.

IS: You’ve been a practicing engineer for the past 14 years and have been at the forefront of a number of real estate development projects. Where do you see the Bahamian land development industry in the next five to 10 years?

ND: The Bahamas is a young country with pristine, beautiful, undeveloped land. I think that our market will be one of the more stable real estate markets in the region based on a stable political climate, respected financial market and modern infrastructure.

Chub Cay

Star Island Bungelow Rendering

IS: What do you foresee as the greatest challenge for Bahamian AEC professionals in the coming years?

ND: The challenge for local professionals will be a matter of building trust. Over the years IBS has worked on over $2 billion worth of land development and construction projects. That indicates a high level of trust on behalf of the client who entrusts a local firm with the successful outcome of their investment. The aim is to increase that level of trust in an industry where Bahamian firms receive less than 10 per cent of the fees paid for these services… we are definitely losing the “trust” battle to our foreign counterparts. We can only win by offering an unmatchable level of service and exceptional value for the dollar.

IS: Depending on what school

of thought one follows, leadership styles can vary greatly. With today’s interconnected lifestyles and the lightning fast transmittal of information, what do you think is the key to being a good leader?

ND: No matter what the latest trend in leadership style is, a holistic approach is the key to being a good leader. For me, that means focusing

on how I can serve my clients better, how to make my team better, how to be a better engineer... basically, I think about how I can make a meaningful contribution not only to my business ventures and the people involved in those ventures, but also, to my country and its development. A good leader has a strategic vision of where he wants to go, empowers others to work for the greater good and knows when to act. Staying current with the latest innovations and continually reinventing one’s self is also vital

to inspiring confidence in a leader.

It’s a strange mix of common sense, technical knowledge, gut instinct and impeccable timing. At the end of the day it’s about finding creative solutions to the challenges that arise from trying to meet those demands.

IS: Architects and engineers work very closely together and we usually only appreciate the architectural results. How do architectural designs influence your designs as an engineer?

Albany Marina View Insitu InsituArch ArchMagazine Magazine 33 33

ND: Actually, we work with

architects every day. Engineers are primarily scientists, technocrats... but architects tend to think in more creative terms. When architects push the envelope of design creativity I respond by pushing the technical limits of engineering design to make the architect’s ultimate vision a reality. It’s as though I am more attuned to the architect’s perspective and in turn, become more creative in my own way. In short, this collaborative dance aims towards providing satisfaction to the client and optimal functionality to the end user of the building.

IS: Aside from engineering, what else makes life interesting for you?

ND: I don’t believe on placing limitations on what’s possible in life.

I believe in enjoying life as well.

Whenever I can, I make non-business related trips to gain a broader appreciation and understanding of the global landscape. A few favorite trips so far were to Japan, Costa Rica and Amsterdam but who knows what’s going to be the new favorite?

I take full advantage of living in a

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country of many islands surrounded by the most beautiful waters the world has to offer. Any time I can find a spare moment, I take off to enjoy one of the Bahamian islands…

Long Island and Eleuthera are my current favorites. I find spear fishing to be one of the most invigorating pursuits that I do. You really have to be present and only thinking about what you’re doing at that particular time. I was a high school athlete so I still keep fit by running 10 miles per week and I also read a lot.

IS: What are you reading at the moment?

ND: It’s a book by Fareed Zakaria called ‘A Post American World’.

It’s basically about what the world does when the dominance of a major superpower like America has passed. The cultural, financial, and commercial focus of the world is shifting from the US to other countries such as India and China.

What we’re seeing now with the financial markets and the emergence of economic power in developing countries makes this book extremely relevant. We are living in very interesting times.

IS:

What’s next for Nick Dean?

ND: That’s an interesting question!

I want to make a contribution to my country by building communities. By that I mean bringing back Bahamian communities in the traditional sense but with a modern translation as opposed to just cutting up land for sale. The traditional Bahamian community was sustainable in that neighbors knew and looked out for each other. Nothing was wasted.

For our generation, that means social integration and resource conservation, essentially being more people focused and environmentally conscious. I believe that with my expertise, experience and outlook I bring a fresh influence to the role of community building. Again, a holistic approach is warranted which would include not only the built environment but a focus on our interaction within it and of course our impacts on the natural environment.

I am a firm believer in the saying that “to whom much is given much is required”… in my own way I hope to make a significant positive impact on the lives of persons living in a community which I helped to create.

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work • live • eat • educate • play

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~Community~ Schooner Bay of Great Abaco Island Insitu InsituArch ArchMagazine Magazine 39 39

The Philosophy

W

hen one reminisces on the Nassau of the past, community is the one underlying theme. Nestled on the Atlantic side of Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas, Schooner Bay will capture a unique opportunity to re-create community. Schooner Bay is designed with the precedents of Harbour Island, Dunmore Town, Great Harbour and Green Turtle Cay.

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Rendered View of Boardwalk

Developer Orjan Lindroth, one of the major stakeholders of the Schooner Bay project, was raised in Nassau and remembers a time when this “island style” was the norm. “Nassau was like this in my childhood…. I lived in a mixed-use community, I could go anywhere. As a kid, I was completely empowered and I felt safe and people walked into town to shop”.

That is the lifestyle that will be Schooner Bay. Two simple design guidelines lead this thought process: Proportion and Scale.

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A few “beach huts” have already been constructed on site to show how the simple construction methods will work. “We want people to think of structure as finish, with a few architectural details”. The three one - room bungalows, are derivatives of the African hut, and are positioned to create a framed courtyard statement. These bring back the memory of when housing was transient and people built with simpler, indigenous materials that complimented the natural landscape. When there are simple shapes with good proportion, little else is needed.

The scale of the buildings has to be in proper proportion to the space – Bay Street will have two (2) storey buildings with attic rooms and all other areas will be one (1) storey with attic rooms. Design models have created intimate three - four bedroom homes in 1,200-1,600-sq.-ft. The idea of scale transcends the entire development; buildings, streets and pedestrian ways, and the trees will all be in proportion to one another.

Lindroth’s message is clear: If we have classical proportion and scale, we have a simple but very powerful formula that is going to create a unique space, and that is the village at Schooner Bay – a world class model for development of The Bahamas.

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Rendered View of Marina

Insitu InsituArch ArchMagazine Magazine 43 43

Natural Beauty

S

tanding on the ridge, the view is stunning: the topography provides a 60’-0” slope to the harbour village, the beautiful curvature of the beach, the natural coppice forest, the creation of a protected harbour and most importantly, a green corridor for migratory Bahamian parrots. These are just a few of the natural elements that connect to make Schooner Bay such a special place. Along with the surrounding population of Abaco, the highway that runs right in front of the entry point, its geographical location from the rest of The Bahamas, this is the perfect location to create the New Urbanism design ideas of being a part of the community, and including nature in the urban areas. “Man is a social animal…. So you have to build social places”… to deny that primary thread, is to live unnaturally.

44 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 44

S

ince more than half the property has been untouched or left as green space, this gives an atmosphere that is rarely seen in recent developments. With the coppice forest and the uninterrupted beach front (dunes – with crossover bridges for pedestrian access), the “visual from the sea will be a green realm right up to the ridge.� Natural areas will be preserved. The most concentrated construction will take place where there was salt water damage from Hurricane Floyd and a series of fires that happened years ago. The natural and the man made will go hand in hand amicably here, not struggle against one another.

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The Design Intent T he entry road will be flanked on either side with agricultural plots. The main entrance feature is a plaza - with a spectacular view of the bay beyond, will have commercial activity, such as a pub/restaurant. This is a strong design statement to welcome other residents of the island to the village.

A series of steps, similar to those at Frederick Street (Nassau) and the Spanish Steps (Rome) will give a procession to the village.

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The design of the structures speak to an authenticity to the past: Houses that are one room deep with the use of raised foundations, covered porches, windows that used cross ventilation and natural lighting, canopies of existing trees and landscaping will in effect reduce the demand load of energy. The added utilization of enhanced energy efficient appliances and green building specifications will allow Schooner Bay the potential to become a completely self sufficient entity.

The construction team will be trained to build efficiently, which will create a more organized and proficient process: there will be a batch plant for the production of concrete on site, and the concrete produced will be used in a multitude of ways: in the structure, floor system, some columns and balustrades and permeable concrete pavers for the road system; rolls of steel will be used to produce rafters, studs, trusses and joists – One input creates many outputs, therefore eliminating the complex assembly of the wall system and waste of building materials, reducing costs and accelerating construction. Erecting one (1) storey buildings also mean lower impact foundations (less weight) and a lower carbon footprint.

The aggregate (cut limestone) for the concrete will be created on site from the reduction of the ridge elevation of about 3’-0�. Any fill excavated will be used where the top soil has been removed. Windows and most doors will be made on site for the development; this eliminates shipping having a negative effect on the construction timeline. The goal is to have the construction teams complete a series of buildings in six (6) month cycles.

Environmental responsibility is paramount in the design of

Insitu InsituArch ArchMagazine Magazine 47 47

the development. Schooner Bay is committed to using alternative energy sources for power: passive solar hot water tanks, solar street lights, concentrated solar systems, wind and wave systems and geothermal air-conditioning. The coppice will be a living nursery; the landscaping palette, both for private and public use, will be supplied from the existing habitat, therefore there will be no need to import any vegetation. These trees provide variety, colour, and attract wildlife. Seedlings will be propagated from the agricultural lands. Recycling will also create less wastage and a force main collection system will be the first of its kind in the country – waste water will be used in agriculture. By using natural energy sources, related costs are projected to be reduced by 25-35 per cent.

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Economic sustainability is imperative for survival.

Schooner Bay will create export trade in a broad spectrum of areas: Doors, shutters, windows and louvers, when construction is completed will be sold to builders on the island and abroad.

Micro greens will be sold on an international market and top-soil produced from composting and recycling will be sold throughout the island.

Another important aspect of Schooner Bay will be the businesses and jobs that will be generated. “There will be about 50 businesses that will support the community” says Lindroth “a town bakery, boat yards, laundry, farm, fly fishing school, wood working studios, medical clinic and so on…. These businesses are low capital, high knowledge, owner works it… and this ‘cottage industry’ creates great potential for this community in export and future economic growth.”

The Development T

he entire development is 320 acres overall with only 80 acres being sold for residential or commercial use. Of this, approximately 220 acres are allocated to the harbour, ridge village and residence and the untouched, natural surroundings – the coppice, parrot corridor and shoreline (dunes). There will a vast range of property sizes (a total of 644 lots will be available), that will offer ownership opportunities to a wide variety of home owners at different economic levels and encourage diversity.

The remaining 100 acres, although being developed by the Schooner Bay team, will be assigned to the commons – areas that will be used by the village and other residents in surrounding communities. The commons will include the sports facility, farm, waste management recycling/alternate energy area, hurricane shelter and community centre. The village will coexist with surrounding areas with symbiotic relationship, further enhancing the character of community that is the foundation of Schooner Bay.

The amenities of the Schooner Bay development encompass a complete experience. Every community has a meeting place, and this will be revived in the harbor and the plaza. Schooner Bay is planned as a mixed-use community

designed with a grid system having an organic component. “We expect the entire community to evolve organically in about 10 years with the harbor front and adjacent neighbourhoods built out in three years,” comments Lindroth.

The village will be run by a board comprised of residents and subject to a community constitution and environmental and professional managers that will be selected from home owners, who will ensure submitted and approved designs will be adhered to. Persons building at Schooner Bay will have available plans to chose from but also be free to design according to predetermined principles. An underlying theme at Schooner Bay is to apply principles of design, not specific rules and regulations.

This is in order to promote true authenticity, individuality and variety in architecture.

There will be a 10 minute continuous bus loop route from the harbor neighbourhood to the ridge neighbourhood. Golf carts will be allowed but because this community is designed around a five-minute walk , planners believe that most persons will walk. For transportation outside of the development, courtesy vans will be available and “zip car” lots (rental by the hour) will be introduced. Cars are banned from the village area and can only enter under special circumstances such as delivery of building materials.

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Schooner Bay Legend A -

B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - *J - *K - *L - *M -

N -

Harbour Village Fish Market Yacht Club Beach Club Bay Street – two (2) storey construction with attic rooms Schooner Bay Inn Schooner Bay Beach Centre Black Fly Bone Fishing Lodge Dive Centre Natural Coppice Parrot Corridor Protected Dune/Shoreline Beach Lots – Property line is 150’ behind dune ridge Ridge Village (car free) Ridge Residence Equestrian Community School and Amphitheatre Regional Sports Facility Regional Hurricane Shelter and Community Centre Regional Farm Solid Waste Facility/ Soil Construction/ Re-use Water Plant/ Alternate Energy Centre Agricultural Area Horticultural Area Local Food Area Home Owner Allotments

(*) – Indicated the ‘Commons’

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* Beach Access â—Š Main Entrance

A

M J

*

E *D E * B E *

K G

N

â—Š

E

G

L

F

C

*

A D

Insitu InsituArch ArchMagazine Magazine 51 51

The Harbour Village (A), was started in March 2008, and is well on the way to completion by the end of 2009/ beginning of 2010. It is expected that the Ridge Village (F), Ridge Residence (G), Equestrian Community (H) and School and Amphitheatre (I) should be concluded in the next two (2) to three (3) years and the Regional Sports facility (J), Regional Farmers Marker (L), Waste Management/ Alternate Energy Facility (M) and Agricultural area (N) should be completed in the next three (3) to four (4) years.

“Our pledge is also to get Bahamian architects and designers involved” states Lindroth “We have a development that is of the geography of the place….

If we can now take the talent in architecture and express it then it has its own signature.”

A Better Way of Living

Urbanists believe that this is the way that we should be building. We don’t need to look anywhere outside of the country to solve our planning issues. We need to look at our past, how we used to live, to bring us back to where we need to be. People are looking for a better way to live, a simpler way, which is less dependent on oil, much more self reliant and to have a sense of place. This cooperative way of living enhances community .

“There is no gate... and everyone who owns here, no matter what size or location of their lot, will be a part owner of the beach, the forest and the harbour... that way everyone is a stakeholder in the community and will have an invested interest in protecting, enriching and improving the value and quality of life here.” With this type of mind set as a premise, there is no isolation. Planning issues that contribute to the increasing problems of crime, traffic congestions and energy use that exist in other places will be addressed and potentially resolved at Schooner Bay.

Lindroth started to create a brochure for Schooner, that has now grown into a four (4) volume story – “What we are creating is a story with a code and a principal, with a memory of community and a climate that tells us how to build. The designs and the development are principle based…. And if it is principle based, it is beyond the interpretation of any one individual and everyone can identify with it and own it – this is the future.”

For more information, please visit www.schoonerbaybahamas.com

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Plan IT Bahamas

ADDS LIGHT AND LIFE TO OCEANIA HEIGHTS IN GREAT EXUMA WITH “GREAT EXUMA VIEW”

Rendering of “Great Exuma View”

Project Area: Project specialty materials: Project Budget: Date Started and Completed:

4700 Sq. Ft. Air Conditioned and 1950 Sq. Ft. Non- A/C Vinyl T&G board on exterior flat ceilings Approximately 2.5 million September 2004 to December 2005

M

ost designers have become accustomed to being requests for creating a vacation or retirement home on a family island in The Bahamas. When that location is the new Oceania Heights in Great Exuma, however, it can’t help but be special.

The architectural firm Plan It Bahamas takes pride in vernacular architectural design and extends their talents to put this 5,700 sq.-ft. domicile on the pedestal it deserves. Their client requested a design for a house which would encompass a rental apartment where friends and family could also stay in their absence.

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Taking full advantage of the site and its various amenities, site placement focused on access from the main thoroughfare and direct terrace views to the ocean from the structure. Serious consideration was also placed on the topography with a high point seemingly right at the point wanting to be used.

Plan It Bahamas accomplished a solution to its design problem using several strategies.

SITE PLAN

BASEMENT PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

MEZZANINE PLAN

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Front View

Back View First, it was decided to accomplish the two part program by creating a two-bedroom rental unit and a large two-bedroom master unit. Both units gain access by a common entry foyer which then leads to individual entries to each unit. The rental unit was thoughtfully placed on the ground floor allowing easy access and easy engagement with the surrounding grounds. The master unit is accessed by an entry stairway off the common foyer leading to the unit’s second floor great room revealing beautiful views to the panorama.

Second, hierarchy is established through size as the master unit is quite large making use of a full two floors. The master unit showcases a double height great room and dining space which shares the main view with a mezzanine floor. Taking up the two upper floors, not only allows for the best views but also maximum privacy and the use of extra attic space, a tradeoff for the more direct connection to the site amenities. The first level surprisingly houses the master suite along with the entertainment spaces. The uppermost level is the treat for the guest suite unexpectedly. Bedroom, private bath and office being the major spaces again enjoys the beautiful views to the sea.

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The structure exhibits pristine white accents in the form of traditional Caribbean quoins, custom railings, trims and a Bermuda roof on a bright yellow base. An additional feature out at the balconies is the exposed rafters also white, which sits with a tongue and groove ceiling decking with a whitewash finish. Pure white columns also add a sense of balance through symmetry where used and reassures the end user of the building’s structural integrity. Adding to the reassurance at the buildings base a beautiful natural cut stone is exhibited.

Neutral colors on the interior with warm wood floors allow the inhabitants to be drawn to the beautiful vistas outside which can be accessed by double doors to wrap around covered terraces. Embracing the open feel, the exposed ceiling decking carries through from the inside out but creates more expanse of volume. Ceiling fans circulate natural air and vast openings encourage passive cooling and ventilation.

Regardless of the way it’s received from people passing by they will never be able to have the good fortune to experience the hidden treasure that is Great Exuma View.

Inside Balcony

What were some of your initial challenges with the design?

The roof was a major design challenge. The challenge was to make the roof continuous from the terrace up to the mezzanine without the roof becoming to bulky and awkward in elevation.

The roof not only covers the terrace but helps to form a double volume space in the great room and also a cozy loft ceiling in the mezzanine level. Another challenge was to design the house so that size wise it was not too overpowering to the surrounding houses. By using the sloping site the garage level was placed partially underground and by placing the mezzanine/ loft area in the roof, we decreased the overall height of the building by more than a storey.

How did your client receive the initial design and the finished product?

The client was pleased and felt that the house truly captured everything they were looking for from the initial client meeting.

Deep terraces, large entertainment areas and the ability to have people stay there without interrupting there facilities were key elements in the design that they initially wanted.

Did you require any specialty consultants?

No not really. We used our regular consultants, Mechanical, Electrical and Structural Designers.

Plan It Bahamas is a design oriented firm in Nassau, Bahamas led by Andrew Stirling, IBA with work throughout the Bahamas, including Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera, and New Providence.

The firm also has associates, intern architect Kenrad Wilchcombe, AIBA, and Kendrick Thompson (Project Co-ordinator for Exuma Ocean View). http://planitbahamas.com/ indexHI.html

Outside Balcony

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Caves Village • Unit 4 P.O. Box CB 11388 • Nassau, Bahamas Tel.: (242) 327-8916 Cell: (242) 424-9694 • Fax (242) 327-8918 Email: m_diggiss@coralwave.com

ARCHITECTS • BUSINESS CONSULTING • PROJECT MANAGERS 58 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 58

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C

omplimenting a church with remnants over 100 years old and a sanctuary with ribbons of history as old as the discovery of the New World itself is not an easy task. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Nassau, The Bahamas had its cornerstone laid on August 25th 1885 and has aged well over the many years. Its following steadily growing, fulfilling the desires of the Roman Catholic Church.

Its existing campus however, especially the original church, could no longer satisfy the physical need of its congregation for space and upgraded facilities.

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Enter architects Bruce LaFleur and Associates. The lead architect being a long time member of the church and a celebrated designer for many years, Bruce LaFleur, AIA, IBA, took on this challenge to emboss his and his firm’s name in history. With most projects of this type where stakeholders are many, the initial planning, funding and design would be a task for any designer to consider.

“The intention was to create a liturgical space that was more functional than the traditional nave (elongated) design as found in many of our churches,” said Pierre LaFleur, associate architect on the project.

“The design solutions also compliment the existing cathedral thereby allowing them to coexist primarily through details that are common to both.

“In the end the firm came to a compromise yielding a 21st century landmark to fully compliment the existing and still used church.”

The original church being typical of 19th century construction is one of the major landmarks in the entire country. Still proudly displaying stone construction of flying buttresses, gothic arch windows and tracery elements it immediately brings a feel of nostalgia and a sense of permanence that has been proven.

The interior takes you to a time of kings and queens with its entire original framework of timber still in place and even artwork, which is so old there is no record of their artists. The original church had two small expansions, which can be seen

on the interior through a change in wall thickness. But the expansions were done such long time ago only the trained eye would notice. The church’s campus holds many secrets and stories still being disputed today. Remnants of the old Governor’s home still remain.

Known as ‘The Priory’ legend tells of an underground tunnel snaking its way from the Columbus landmark, just a few yards away, to Fort Charlotte approximately two miles west of the property.

Old Nave South

Through hurricanes, wars, civil unrest and changes in government, St. Francis Xavier is a testament to the Roman Catholic Church as well as its builders.

With an understated simplicity with warm yet neutral tones acting as a backdrop depending on the season, special care was also taken in the selection of lighting fixtures.

More contemporary in nature the lighting consists of simple sconces, oversized pendants, and recessed lights. Linear diffusers for the cooling of the space are carefully placed and are almost unnoticeable when seated.

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“The distance between the pews and the altar had been reduced due to the seating being wrapped around the core (altar),” said LaFleur. “This allowed for the parishioners to feel more apart of the liturgical experience.”

Keeping in touch with the required needs, established budget and site analysis discoveries, the new church needed to be a structure that not only could be built by local craftsmen but which also tied to the architecture of today.

According to Father Nixon, the most difficult part of the process was raising the funds to build the new church. Once the funds were sourced the construction was well planned and well executed taking just over a year. Completed in early 2004 the new sanctuary of St. Francis

Xavier Cathedral is indeed a monument and more than capable of satisfying its program requirements.

There is a new pipe organ that rings aloud through the old neighborhood today, and fresh refined finishes which strongly contrasts the old church. The volume of the space is tremendous, slowly revealed as you enter from a covered porch and under an upper gallery of seating.

The altar showcases a beautiful stained glass portrayal of various saints and allows much of the natural light to fill the space. Traditional wooden pews with custom carvings tying to the heritage of the church line the aisles on the ground floor. The floor itself covered in tiles allows for low maintenance, accounted

reverberation and easy cleaning. The ceiling displays a warm tongue and grove wood infill between large structural members of glue laminated beams, again controlling flow of sound and echoing the traditional use common to The Bahamas.

The design elements seems to go back and forth with gothic arched windows lining the base wall of the sanctuary having stained glass tops and then large triangle shaped dormer type glazing at the upper portion acting as clerestories.

According to LaFleur, the mainstained glass window behind the altar, clerestory and regular windows surrounding the body of the church all provide an abundance of light into the space, which further enhances the parishioners’ experience.

View at altar

These more human scale arched windows are treated on the exterior with modern day Bahama shutters while the clerestory allows the heavenly light to flow in. The subtle architectural hints seem to merge a spectrum of elements and in the end still being very functional. There is hardly a need for lighting during a regular day in the expansive volume. This low level of light creates another illusion in the evening of closeness allowing the large volume to fade away.

Another original touch is the wooden canopy above the altar, this helps define the space and diffuse a bit of the light form the clerestory behind it.

Exterior elements feature coral stone steps leading to the new entry, native palms surrounding the building joining other mature native trees; some just as valuable as the old church.

Structurally, the church, which also doubles as a hurricane shelter, stands very tall on a large number of piers. One of the initial hurdles in the design was structural support and the piers go very deep to find that support in the hills’ limestone bedrock. These tall support columns also allow efficient use of the 64 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 64

Panoramic View of the St. Francis Cathedral

space under the building for mechanical equipment, parking and storage. In the event of any type of flooding, the high elevation keeps the volume very safe from water damage. CMU construction ensures local code adherence with reinforced columns and beams to ensure a monolithic structure.

In the end the overall church campus will center on its new jewel as intended.

With future developments to come it is clear that the path of the church has been chosen and the neo religious feel will continue.

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Construction Design Services (CDS) Construction Design Services (CDS) is a full service, Bahamian Architecture and Planning practice, located on South West Bay Street in the New Providence Development complex. With a senior designer, two licensed architects, an associate architect, and three very accomplished draftspersons, CDS has over 50 years of combined experience in designing high-end custom homes. Complimenting this wealth of experience are a number of significant accomplishments by CDS’s Design team.

T. J. Thompson (Licensed Architect, CIPM) received the T. Albert Sands Award – Cotton Bay Young Architects Design Competition (2007). Alfred Saunders (Associate Architect) received a Masters in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois.

Stefan P. Russell (Licensed Architect) graduated Magna Cum Laude, from University of Miami School of Architecture, Miami, Florida, and was awarded the coveted Henry Adams Medal for this achievement.

CDS has completed a myriad of residential and commercial projects in prestigious communities like Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Ocean Club Estates, and Albany. The firm also caters to a range of economic scales with homes completed in Charlotteville, Turnberry, Tuscan Shores and “The Balmoral” Developments. These projects focus on the first-time home owners and offer affordable, tasteful and efficient, homes and townhomes. Specific work in the communities mentioned include, the Lyford Cay Club renovations, Old Fort Bay club house, canal beach “Key West” style homes (Old Fort Bay), and collaborating on the Albany ocean view and beach front cottages.

CDS is actively involved in other residential projects such as Schooner Bay (a new residential development on Abaco Island, Bahamas), and Over Yonder Cay (in the Exumas, Bahamas). CDS has collaborated with numerous foreign architects and design professionals to help to bring many other projects to life, such as, GMA Architects (Orlando Florida), Terry Irwin Architects (Orlando Florida), dlGV Architects (Coral Gables, Florida), Zinc Design Services, Inc. (West Palm Beach, Florida) and Sanchez Maddux (Coral Gables, Florida).

CDS is committed to the belief that a building should not only look good, but it should “live good” as well. Once designed and built, the owner’s desires should be embraced and inevitably be realized.

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Shown from l-r: A. Saunders, S. Russell, B. Moss, C. Rolle, T. J. Thompson, D. Modder. (D. Sawyer not pictured)

CDS Team

Mr. Dwaine Modder, Senior Designer Mr. Stefan Russell, B.Arch, IBA – Licenced Architect (Florida, Bahamas) Ms. TJ. Thompson, B.E.D.S. IBA, CIPM – Licenced Architect (Bahamas) Mr. Alfred Saunders, B.Arch, M. Arch Mr. Claude Rolle AA Arch Tech Ms. Beverly Moss, AA Arch Tech Mr. Darren Sawyer, OC Assoc (CADD)

P.O. Box CB 13806 Nassau, N.P., • Bahamas Phone: 242-362-6306/7 • Fax: 242-362-5847 Website: www.cdsbahamas.com Email: info@cdsbahamas.com

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O

ur environment, which over countless decades of physical abuse, blatant disregard and complacency on the part of our species, is in desperate need for restoration and preservation. As designers we must understand our moral responsibility, not only to our clients, but to our society and to our planet. Have we fulfilled our obligations, or are we further compounding already complex issues? Have we been adding garnish to an ill prepared and inedible dish?

Our built environment speaks volumes.

burden on the population as well as the environment.

Access to public transportation, with the intent of reducing pollution and land development impacts is one suggestion LEED proposes.

Another highly potential alternative is the use of lowemission and fuel efficient vehicles. Or we could return to bicycling and walking, which do not require the use of petroleum based fuels, and produce no harmful emissions to the atmosphere. In addition, the pedestrian zones required to accommodate these modes of transportation can be incorporated in on our green space and decrease our carbon footprint.

Similarly, low-emission/ fuel efficient or alternatively powered vehicles reduce negative impacts on the environment by minimizing contributions to air pollution from smog and other toxic emissions, as well as lessening the need for harmful extraction and refining processes.

“Compact friendly communities allow residents to walk to shops, services, cultural resources, and work, and can reduce traffic congestion and benefit people’s health,”

Here in The Bahamas’ capital of New Providence, our daily gridlock presents new and exciting challenges continuously.

Many have become well versed in the art of road rage.

Others graduate from new levels of anger management with each passing minute. But neither citizens, nor local infrastructure have the capacity to handle the demands of the vehicular traffic congestion that we face.

In today’s society, with the prices of fuel in a constant fluctuating state, more and more people are willing to forgo using private vehicles in favor of public transportation.

NOW would be the ideal time for the powers that be to invest serious time and expenditure into fine-tuning the public transportation system ensuring that it is safe, attractive and easily accessible. Public transportation should be a continuously organized medium by which the commuter needs of the general population can be served collectively. This in turn, will reduce the demand for more infrastructures while lessening the environmental impact through a reduction of overall fuel consumption and subsequent pollution.

If we take a serious look at alternative transportation as it is proposed in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, we will surely be able to see vast opportunities for tremendous long term benefits that will result from the makings of a sustainable environment.

The fact is, on this archipelago capital, and many other developed Caribbean islands, the vehicle supply far exceeds the practical demand, and the constant influx of automobiles has long surpassed the capacity of the local infrastructure. This phenomenon has created a cumbersome 68 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 68

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) who suggest designing on a human scale. “Mixed use developments integrating different land uses provide pedestrian friendly communities and give various transportation options like biking and walking.”

What happens however, when our compact friendly and mixed use communities by their very nature, are still heavily congested?

Almost every development in this land could have scored points in the US-established “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) rating system, under its Sustainable Sites Credit 4 for Alternative Transportation, which includes the following: Credit 4.1; Public Transportation Access Credit 4.2; Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms Credit 4.3; Low-Emission & Fuel Efficient Vehicles Credit 4.4; Parking Capacity (Reduction in Infrastructure) These are all best practices for natural resource and habitat preservation. However, for maximum benefits and functionality, a comprehensive master plan describing all land use goals and future development potential would need to be implemented prior to the establishment of any further communities or developments. Comprehensive urban planning will help to create a more cohesive society that can then begin to depict the kind of quiet order that will allow us to enjoy the benefits of sustainable practices. In retrospect then, transportation planning must better correlate with land use decisions since our social interaction, health, and productivity are all influenced by our residential, recreational, civic, and transitional spaces.

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M

ost of us have heard the phrase, ‘A jack of all trades; A master of none’. There’s always one

aspect of life that almost always dominates all others. But, this however, is far from the truth for Dr. Desiree Cox.

CARIBBEANDr.ARTIST Desiree Cox MD, PhD

Is Killin’ ‘em with PRETTY A medical doctor by day, Cox spends most of her time roaming hospital halls on a quest to make people better. Her evenings and many weekends however, are spent completely immersed in her passions - oil painting and singing jazz.

“I decided from an early age that I would follow my own path, and be guided by my inner voice and intuition,” says Cox. “My path has led me to working in a number of different professions... [but] finally I am able to speak the truth using the symbolism of words, sound and colour on canvas.”

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At 17, Cox majored in quantum chemistry at McGill University in Montreal, Canada receiving a BSc with honours. Her thirst for knowledge then led her to the University of Oxford where she began her medical studies and became the first Bahamian and first female in the region to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar. Her artistic talents however, would give her a sound alternative and release from the harsh truths of medicine.

“It was during my medical training at Oxford and then later on during my PhD studies at Cambridge University, that I began to fully appreciate the healing powers and a performing artist for a number of years,” she said.

“I came to see healing as a journey of the soul and visual art as the soul’s journey expressed in living colour.”

Born into a less than affluent family, Cox was adamant from early on that she would become a doctor. But it would first be her singing that made everyone around her take notice. Her talent landed her the role as the only soloist at the funeral of the first Bahamian Governor General, the late Sir Milo B. Butler. Her love for songs by Eddie Minnis and other Bahamian recording artists gave her the inspiration to perform throughout her primary and high school years. It also paid off greatly as a fundraising vehicle for college tuition.

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It was during her time at medical school where she began to feel an urgent calling back to the arts.

In 2002, Cox created the UK charity, Performing Cures’ in an attempt to connect hospital communities through live music, art and dramatic performances.

Still, she had more to offer. While commuting between her home in London and The Bahamas for the past four years, Cox began to tap into her artistic persona.

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“I am inspired by light, colour and the energy of nature,” said an enthusiastic Cox. “I love pretty colours and the colours of our Junkanoo [festival] call to me everyday.”

Exploring the ‘not so gray” areas of life, Cox devotes most of her creativity to connecting her paintings with the performing arts and fiction.

Her mantra - “You can’t make a mistake here.

Everything you put onto the canvas matters.”

“I want my paintings to be portals to mythical realms and gateways to imaginary worlds beyond reality.

Seeing beyond the illusion of “reality” is the first step to dreaming our own dreams, and speaking with our own authentic voices.”

Reviews of Artist’s Work ‘A convincing sense of emotional freedom grips one at the first acquaintance with the blazing canvasses of self-styled, visionary Bahamian artist Dr Desiree Cox. ……Dr Cox’ work is deeply philosophic and her style of rendering is unique and personal. Her use of colour is vibrant and visually arresting….Her canvases are alight in a blaze of glory - set in motion in a seemingly endless and spectacular flow of waves - sometimes in a deliberate free style, free form movement. ‘ ‘A Blaze of Glory’, by Will Pluck, Art Critic, The Tribune, August 29th 2007.

‘The surfaces of her canvases were seductively and skillfully crafted with warm primary palettes of color that streamed through the compositions in a way that suggested a kind of dream-like landscape scenario…… Not unlike the way her music functions, her paintings follow almost in an illustrative manner to the overall mood of the music, which is one of solemn and quiet self-reflection and projections of optimism.’

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“That’s something my former COB professor and mentor, Stan Burnside told me and I’ll always remember that,” she said.

Using vibrant chords on canvas to illustrate inner feelings and emotions, Cox claims oils as her tool of use.

“They’re so bright and full of life,” she said.

“I love the pinks, golds, sky blues and whites. The Brits call them ‘hot’ colours.”

Cox takes her cues on canvas from other Bahamian artists such as Amos Ferguson, Antonius Roberts and John Cox. “I guess it’s the same way with architecture,” she said. “You look to the great architects before you as both a learning tool and inspiration and every new thing you pick up causes your work to change ever so slightly.

And, so do the names of her work.

She laughed, “Sometimes I’m still working out what the unconscious 76 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 76

has already said when I‘m getting ready for a show. But I just love the feeling you get when time stands still. I crave that.

“I use my art as a conversation piece about life. My goal is to create a sacred space where people can travel through the doorway of imagination to worlds that inspire them.”

Today, she still finds time to juggle medicine, painting and singing with ease and it doesn’t look like she’ll be done any time soon.

Her paintings hang on the walls of many local and international galleries. Her first recorded album is currently on sale at her web site, www.soulimagination.org.

She said, “When we dream our own dreams, and speak authentically, we inspire others to let their light shine.”

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The

Architects of Fashion

A kaleidoscope of fabrics took centre stage November 5-8, 2008 as the Islands of the World Fashion Week (IWFW) made its debut to international celebrity guests and the Bahamian public. The focal point of Mode ĂŽles Ltd., a subsidiary of The Montaque Group, the four-day extravanganza was a testament to the immense talent that island nations have to offer the fashion world.

Its backdrops were the neo-themed Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island and the restored colonial-inspired relic, the British Colonial Hilton, both in New Providence two regional marvels of architecture in their own right.

House of St. John

Representing 12 island nations around the world, 35 designers indulged their audiences with amazing designs and rich textures of silk, chiffon and cotton and the natural products such as hemp, straw, shells sea weeds and sea fans. IWFW also showcased the works of world-renowned designers, Kenneth Cole for the Kenneth Cole Collection, Peter Ingwersen for NOIR Illuminati II Collection, designer to the stars, Kevan Hall and Project Runway prodigy, Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI. The showcases drew inspiration from eras in time; their work framing each rich Bahamian canvas, or model, with ease. From Grecian goddesses to Bohemian beauty to classical and new-island living, the themes burst onto the catwalks.

Represented were French vogue, pret-a-porter, couture, swim wear, jewelry and handbags all, regardless of its origin, exuding a fresh, tropical feel. Even in their creativity, each designer was exact. Asymmetrical lines were drawn at precise angles for the frames provided. Ovals, triangles and trapezoids marked the runway defining each showcase.

But it wasn’t just a show. Endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), IWFW doubled as a promotion for four (4) underlying themes - environment and climate change, the education of youth, HIV/AIDS and poverty alleviation in the islands.

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House of St. Jon by Jeff St. John

World-renowned designer, Kenneth Cole became the first recipient of IWFW’s Humanitarian Designer Award. For decades, Cole has deliberately fused fashion and the call for social change. He has served served as Chairman of The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmfAR) and as a member of the board of the homeless organization, HELP USA.

Sea Island Cotton - Claudia Pegus

NOIR Illuminati II Collection Poshelle

Mode Îles founder, Owen Bethel, said the main idea behind IWFW is to bring some added value to the economies within the island nations. “This is really UNESCO’s emphasis. designers in most countries do not have an avenue for international exposure to market to buyers and to the media. “It’s understandable that in the great names you hear, there are very few designers that have made it from the islands and on a broader scale from the developing countries. That’s why I came up with the idea of presenting a showcase for designers from the islands to be able to present their wares to buyers and the media and get some exposure.”

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Tamiko Brown

Poshelle

There was also a fierce competition between the designers for five awards. Taking home top honours was Tamiko Brown of Tami B Designs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Brown took home the Culture & Fashion Award, which recognized the designer best able to incorporate a uniquely cultural element into her design. Her winning piece, an ingenious strawplaited swimsuit. Brown also won the NextGen Designer Award, which is a six to 12 -month internship with an internationally recognized designer.

Nick Verreos & David Paul of NIKOLAKI.

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St. Lucia’s Queen Esther, the creator of Kuumba Designs, was the recipient of the Sustainable Eco-Fashion award. Her unique blend of hemp, straw and dried sea sponges with traditional chiffon and silk captivated the judges and audience alike. The Seals of Excellence were awarded to five designers for an exceptional performance in design creativity, expression, and quality of workmanship/production. The awardees were Heather Jones Designs by Heather Jones of Trinidad & Tobago; Nadya by Nadine Lurey of Indonesia; BREEZE Resort Couture by Claudia Pegus of Trinidad & Tobago; House of St. John by Jeff St. John of The Bahamas; and Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas.

Queen Esther, Kuumba Designs

The project’s goal will be to eventually take the up and coming designers to the next stage of production, manufacturing and marketing and become the agent of the designers on the international market. Already slated for November 2009, IWFW is poised to make a permanent mark in the fashion world.

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Join the Architects of Fashion November 4th - 7th, 2009.

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BUILD-A-BRIDGE C

H

A

L

L

E

N

G

E

Can your bridge handle the load?

Your challenge—should you choose to accept it—is to build the lightest bridge that can hold the most load*. If you think your team is up to the challenge, fill-out the entry form and return it to Integrated Building Services (IBS).

This challenge is for 10th and 11th grade students only.

FIRST PRIZE: Floating school trophy, individual trophies, iPods SECOND PRIZE: Individual trophies, gift certificates THIRD PRIZE: Individual trophies, gift certificates All participants receive a certificate of participation, plus other prizes and surprises for students and mentor teachers!

The IBS Build-a-Bridge Challenge and bridge construction materials are free of charge.

Entry forms should be submitted by December 7th 2007.

Judging will take place in March 2008.

For entry forms and further information please visit to www.gointegrated.com For additional information contact: Monique Sweeting Phone: 242-466-9970 // Fax: 242-324-5480 // bridgechallenge@gointegrated.com Integrated Building Services // P. O. Box EE-15251, Nassau, Bahamas www.gointegrated.com *Your bridge may be destroyed in determining the winner.

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BRIDGE

S

ince the dawn of time, man has encountered obstacles and has had the ingenuity to overcome these obstacles; one of these fruits of his ingenuity being the bridge.

The bridge is defined by Merriam –Webster as a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

Bridges throughout history have been made of many materials such as natural stone, brick, aluminum, steel, concrete and timber. Bridges can take many shapes and forms with some of the most popular being the beam bridge, arch bridge, cantilever bridge, and suspension

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bridge. The colossal structures that span from place to place are not the same as the bridges that were being built just 10 years ago. These behemoth structures, complete with moving parts can be considered works of art. The designers only limited by their imagination can define a city’s skyline with their innovative creation.

Technological advances in materials have allowed bridges to handle larger loads over longer distances, this allows bridges to carry more than just pedestrians and vehicles; they can carry utilities, trains or even water simultaneously. The amount of pedestrian and vehicle traffic that these monstrous structures handle on a daily basis push them to the limit. They require a great

deal of attention during design, construction and continuously throughout their lifetime.

In the United States, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) enforces safety and maintenance regulations for all bridges that are longer than 20 feet and are located on publicly owned highways. These regulations were established originally in 1968 in the form of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and recently revised in 2005. The primary purpose of the NBIS is to locate and evaluate existing bridge deficiencies to ensure the safety of the traveling public; but it also sets the national standards for the proper safety inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges.

CONTINUIN G EDUC ATION

Design Maintenance & Management

A municipality without a bridge management or maintenance plan in place is the invitation for a catastrophic event. The collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a perfect example. On August 1, 2007 during rush hour traffic this eight lane truss arch bridge gave way tumbling into the river below. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed a flaw in the design of the bridge’s gusset plates as the official cause of the I-35W Minneapolis bridge collapse. Gusset plates are generally used to connect load-bearing members.

These members can be bolted, riveted or welded to the gusset plate.

There are other factors such as the freeze-thaw cycle and excessive temperature changes that may have contributed to the increased rate at which this bridge deteriorated causing the bridge to become structurally deficient. Steel structures are highly susceptible to corrosion in the presence of moisture. The use of de-icing salts on concrete bridge decks along with moisture accelerates the corrosion process of the steel that is used as reinforcement.

Physical factors such as multiple vehicular collisions and structural fatigue from repeated loading are also significant. Other loads including seismic, wind, snow and ice may also contribute to degradation.

Bridges can be a harmonious marriage of steel and concrete that has the capacity to sustain greater loads for extended periods of time but to ensure that our bridges to continue to serve our needs, last for as long as possible and function as intended, it is of utmost importance that a bridge management or maintenance plan is in place and that we check bridge structures on the set schedule or when such events merit.

Design Maintenance & Management

Stevonn J. Dilligard is a fall 2004 graduate of Florida A&M University. He is currenty employed at Georgia Department of Transportation as an occupation construction project engineer.

Alamillo Bridge - Valencia Spain

CONTINUIN G EDUC ATION

Many states have taken an asset management approach to managing transportation infrastructure. Using a tool first developed for the FHWA, Pontis is a bridge management system developed to assist in the challenging task of bridge management. Pontis stores bridge inventory and the data recorded from inspections; from this information it can formulate a preservation plan to meet needs of each bridge as well as make recommendations to maximize benefits received from the agency’s funds. Pontis is a registered trademark of AASHTO.

BRIDGE

The Butterfly Bridge - Bedford, England

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The Role of an Architect

(Ethics)

A

an architect, some say, is

more circumstantial than moral. Those circumstances however, are only

The average citizen is unaware that a “professional architect” has way more responsibility than preparing a good design. An intense level of training is had to attain this title which yields great power and responsibility. The problem is, even most architects don’t know this great power or chose to ignore it. Further, they also do not realize that this privilege has to be continually earned.

After going through the grueling process that takes on average about eight years (five year professional degree, three years practical internship), someone is trusted by a legal body to be allowed to practice architecture in its most technical form. This trust is then observed by the general public engaging a professional architect for service. What then of the society and community?

Can you really trust someone that has so much knowledge but uses very little of it to benefit their own community?

Ethics for an architect, some say, is more circumstantial than moral. Those circumstances however, are only created based on the trust given to these professionals by their clients.

created based on the

What do architects do to improve the lives of others? Are they producing just a building or are they producing a good, healthy, fully functional building?

trust given to these

Are they continually developing their knowledge base in order to provide the best possible service to the client and make responsible decisions?

”

professionals by their clients.

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A professional cannot be responsible without knowing how to be, and knowing how comes through gaining continual knowledge of your profession. Building continually on what those before you have created. Any motivated person can regurgitate what they have seen or experienced, but without real knowledge nothing new can be created. Therefore one of the most looked over ethical responsibilities of all professionals especially architects is keeping knowledge current through continuing education.

The client trusts that an architect will not give some pseudo-technical explanation to give him something that he may not want. Trusting that the architect will design what they desire and not satisfy their own selfish aesthetics.

The overall profession trusts that after it has granted you a license you will not contravene the rules that accompany your shingle. Your colleagues trust that you will not undermine them. They trust that you will not hoard knowledge to benefit only you and not the profession as a whole.

CONTINUIN G EDUC ATION

“

Ethics for

n architect’s livelihood is totally dependant on trust. Like the legal, medical or engineering profession, architects are retained with the idea in mind that they are competent stewards of the trade. An architect is hired with the expectation that by the end of the day they will produce a design that improves the quality of life and that contributes to good health. It’s what they are trained to do. Still, it appears that most architects in our region practice unethical habits.

This states that all licensed architects are not capable of doing the legal minimum, only that guy. It states that the regulation authority is not properly regulating the licenses since one professional can claim they are better than another.

A true professional distinguishes himself through merit of his work. A client should select his designer, not based on who is most popular, or who has the nicest office but on the basis of quality of work, and personal compatibility. If the most popular designer cannot relate to his client the end product will not be a good building.

Trust is not only put forth by the public but also by the client, the profession and the colleagues in the profession.

Many guides are out there for the professional architect to use and they are required to be aware of these to be granted a license. These Codes of Ethics are common in professional training either through the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), or Union Internationale Des Architects (UIA). All Caribbean architects are affiliated with or have received training under one of these broader bodies and therefore have been exposed to their Code of Ethics.

The UIA is a body that unites architects from all countries. It has an international code of ethics on consulting services that is geared to all architects in the execution of their duties and does this with 10 articles. This speaks to local responsibilities and the engagement of consultants from an international standpoint. www.uia-architectes.org

The RIBA, has a code of professional conduct that mainly focuses on three principals; Integrity, Competence and Relationships. These are further dissected with the advice of a separate set of Guidance Notes (GN). www.architecture.com.

The AIA, seems to have the most comprehensive and is the most used document called the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. This guide has five canons; General Obligations, Obligations to the Public, Obligations to the Client, Obligations to the Profession and Obligations to Colleagues.

These canons are further broken down in to Ethical Standards and Rules at www.aia.org.

These codes verify that any professional carrying the insignia of any of these bodies practice on a level above and beyond that of the common technocrat. It verifies that ethical principals are known to them and are expected to be used in every instance.

Today we have all been desensitized to what is right and wrong and therefore it is harder and harder to be moral and ethical.

Even considering that, there is no excuse for not fulfilling your obligations to the client, public, profession and your colleagues.

If it feels wrong chances are it is. Always do your due diligence and do not get lazy. The minute you slip you have violated the trust that has been given to you and all others in the profession and that then devalues us as professionals and our profession.

“

Trust is not only put forth by the

”

public but also by the client, the profession

CONTINUIN G EDUC ATION

On another note, today most architects are still confused about the ethical place of advertising. If you notice, most associations discourage the notion of advertising. This is because it essentially puts into question the expertise of the professional and questions the regulation of it. As soon as an advertisement is displayed, it says, ‘hire me I’m better than everyone else at doing the minimum required’.

and the colleagues in the profession..

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Key energy-efficient products are almost universally seen as growing in popularity. With less focus on increasing the size of homes, special function rooms are waning in popularity.

Business conditions are deteriorating at architecture firms, with projects billings, new project inquiries, and project backlogs all showing declines. All major residential construction sectors are reported as weakening, with the townhouse and condo, and custom and luxury markets showing sharp reversals from a year ago. The home improvement market is still showing some gains for many residential architects.

These are some of the key findings from the AIA Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2008. This survey of residential architects covered home features including special function rooms, special features, systems and technologies in homes, and the types of products that households are looking for in their homes from the perspective of which are gaining in popularity at present, and which are not.

Special function rooms less popular With the recent reported easing of size homes, residential architects also are seeing less interest in special function rooms in homes. Home offices continue to be the most popular special function room, but they have become decidedly less popular than in recent years. In the AIA’s second quarter 2008 Home Design Trends Survey, 41 per cent of respondents indicated that home offices are increasing in popularity, with only two per cent reporting declining interest.

CONTINUIN G EDUC ATION

CONSERVATION AND ACCESSIBILITY FOCUS ON ENERGY

REPORT THAT POPULAR HOME FEATURES

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W

ith the housing market very weak and home energy costs remaining above normal levels, sustainable design features, with particular focus on energy management and conservation are the home features growing the most in popularity. Households are looking for new home insulation technologies, while interest in alternative energy generation techniques and energy management systems is growing.

ENERGY CONSERVATION AND ACCESSIBILITY Likewise, interest in other special function rooms seems to be waning. While consumer interest in mud rooms is relatively strong other rooms are seeing only moderate levels of interest. For au pair/in-law suites and hobby/game rooms, consumer interest is below levels of a year ago.

Energy efficiency leads movement toward sustainability Energy conservation is often the motivation behind popular special features in homes. Alternative home insulation techniques, such as structural insulation panels or sprayed foam insulation, and extra insulation in the attic overwhelmingly are viewed as increasing in popularity. Both features have become more popular over the past year, according to residential architects.

Features promoting greater levels of accessibility around the home also are popular.

Ramps and elevators for easier mobility, and easy-touse features such as handles and faucets also have maintained their popularity.

Ongoing threats from hurricanes in coastal regions continue to generate interest in ‘hurricane resistant’ design. Just as energy conservation is the dominant motivation behind the most popular special features in homes, energy management and other ‘green’ objectives are the dominant motivation behind popular systems and technology in homes. Solar panels/photovoltaics are the most popular system or technology selected from those listed, followed by energy management systems. Although wireless telecommunications and data systems continue to gain ground, other systems and technologies noted as popular tend to have ‘green’ features, such as geothermal heating or cooling, water reclamation or air purification systems.

Finally, many of the products growing in popularity for residential use also have energy conservation or other ‘green’ characteristics. Almost all of respondents saw tankless water heaters as growing in popularity, and 79 per cent reported that energy-efficient products or materials, such as double or triple glazed windows, also were becoming more popular.

Low maintenance materials and sustainable flooring products, such as bamboo and cork, were mentioned as gaining traction by more that two-thirds of respondents. Synthetic or engineered materials, water saving or conserving devices, and the use of reclaimed or salvaged materials also are seen as increasing in popularity by at least 60 per cent of respondents.

This article has been reproduced with the permission of the American Institute of Architects and may not be used again without the Institute’s permission. For more information please go to their web site at www.aia.org.

Incorporated in 1993, Steril-Aire, Inc. pioneered usage of ultraviolet light for microbial control incommercial and residential air conditioning systems. Steril-Aire has received acclaim as well as numerous awards and worldwide acceptance of their multi-patented UVC Emitters™. Our products have been installed in buildings around the world including hospitals, offices, schools and residences. Whether you are looking for products to fit commercial air handling systems, residential whole-house systems or room air purifiers, our technologies, experience and reputation bring you the best indoor air quality solutions available.

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Subscribe to Insitu Arch Magazine today, and have the Caribbean’s most comprehensive AEC publication delivered to your doorstep!!!!

For only $30.00 per year (4 issues – January, April, July and October), you can get Insitu Arch delivered directly to you.

Please email your current complete mailing address to

insitu.magazine@gmail.com Please make all cheques, money orders and drafts out to “Insitu Arch” Thank you and we look forward to sending you the latest issue TODAY!!!

Insitu Arch is inviting everyone to submit articles and projects for future issues.

We are accepting work in all areas, relating to the Bahamas or the Caribbean:

90 Insitu Insitu Arch Arch Magazine Magazine 90

•

Articles on design topics (e.g. Sustainability, Development in the Country/ Caribbean)

•

Complete curriculum vitae (CV) or firm profile to be a featured local or international architect, engineer, contractor, interior designer, project manager etc.

•

Projects in all areas (whether new construction or a renovation)- residential, commercial, industrial, resort, religious, institutional (all styles)

•

Interior Design Projects – small or large scale

•

Landscaping projects

•

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•

Letters to the editor on issues or compliments that you have about the development of the country

•

Manufacturers of new products, materials or methods – please send specifications, rating and examples of the product in use to spread the word.

•

New software that would benefit those in the AEC industry

•

Artists – from painting to furniture to sculpture, please send in an outline of your work and photos to be a featured artist.

•

Financial institutions , realtors, insurance companies, law firms, government offices – send in articles on your role in the built environment and development.

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Recommend books and web sites.

Please send all information to insitu.magazine@gmail.com.

All photos should be in jpeg format (300 dpi).

The magazine is published four (4) times per year – January, April, July and October.

XXX DBDISJTUJF DPN t TBMFT!DBDISJTUJF DPN

O

ne of the country’s oldest and bestestablished real estate firms, C.A. Christie Real Estate can make island living and island investments possible for first-time or seasoned investors.

Established in 1973, the firm is located in historic Nassau.

The C. A. Christie Real Estate team has guided clients through real estate opportunities for more than a quarter of a century. The islands of The Bahamas have emerged as a sought-after location for commercial investment, second homes or primary residences on waterfront properties, exclusive gated-communities and single-family houses.

For centuries breathtaking ocean views and year-round warmth have lured visitors to The Bahamas. With a stable democracy, strong financial sector, tax free status and a political climate as calm as the gentle sea, local and foreign investors have discovered the value of investing in real estate. Let the professional and personal agents at C.A. Christie Real Estate serve as your guide to your next real estate purchase in The Bahamas.

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Insitu InsituArch ArchMagazine Magazine 91 91

recommended

books and web sites

www.sweets.com

For those of you that remember the “big green books”, they have now moved into the 21st century. Throughout the AEC industry, sweets catalogues have been highly recommended and the source to locate products for a myriad of projects. Expanded from the familiar 16 to 50 sections, there are very few areas that have been overlooked.

www.bahamasarchitects.com

When starting any design project, whether a cottage in Cat Island or multi-million dollar hotel development in Exuma, this is the place to begin to find the right design professional to fit your project. This web site lists ALL licensed architects in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It gives the history of the Professional Architects Board and the Institute of Bahamian Architects and lists the regulations, by laws and constitution of the organization.

cben.net http://cben.net/

The CAD technicians dream!! Why re-draw, when it has already been done? There are hundreds of blocks available for furniture, details room layouts, you name it, and it’s probably there.

Stormpulse

TM

www.stormpulse.com

Living in the Caribbean and south Florida, this is said to be one of the best web site to assist in tracking any weather disturbance. Giving accurate detailed information of the location, intensity and future path, this can literally help save lives.

www.bahamas.gov.bs/publicworks

For tracking building permits at the Ministry of Public Works, this online tool allows, home owners, architects contractor and developers to follow up on the status on building permits from the comfort and convenience of the home or office.

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recommended

books and web sites

Creating the Not So Big House

Sarah Susanka The The Taunton Press ISBN: 1561586056

258 Pages

This continuation of “The Not So Big House” continues on the design of “less is more”. Having a large house does not always mean having a comfortable and efficient home. Susankah re-iterates the need for quality over quantity, and in the 21st century, where resources are not unlimited and were once thought, savvy designers are guiding clients to building homes that are smart, not “starter castles”.

Some key elements that Susankah raises are the need for spaces doing “double duty”, variety of ceiling heights and beautiful interior views within the home, not just on the exterior. “Always build for the way you live”.

At Home with Caroline Roehm

This decadent written work of art is for the designer/ decorator who wants to go over the top planning a “Parisian Dinner” for 10, or a secluded picnic in a “field of tall pasture grasses.”

Within these pages are tips on types of flowers and floral arrangements, place setting menus and colour schemes for all seasons, climates and celebrations of the year.

Anyone with the flair for parties and entertaining will fall in love every time they open the cover and turn the pages.

ARCHITECTURAL Graphic Standards

Anyone in the architectural industry know that this is the “bible” of the design world! If you need to find out the size, placement, standards, and site conditions for almost anything, you can find it in graphic standards. Now in its 10th edition, you can believe that it will continue being a necessary design aid in any office setting.

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Services

•

Road Building

•

Trucking

•

Land Clearing

•

Underground Construction

•

Trenching

•

Excavation Services

•

Parking Lot Construction

•

Air Strip Construction

•

Park Construction

•

Subdivision Infrastructure

•

Equipment Rental

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Construction in The Bahamas for over 55 years.

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01

Exterior Coatings

Acrocrete/ AcroFlex • • • •

Acrylic based product Variety of textures (from smooth to rough) Colour intergrated in the product – reduces painting maintenance Custom colours available

•

Details, specifications and systems descriptions for application available on web site

www.acrocrete.basf.com

02

Roofing

18” Terada Wallaba Shingles

City Lumber – 393-0191 Tops Lumber – 325-3507 • • • • • •

A relatively new product out of Brazil, Guyana and Suriname.

About 15 per cent cheaper that the more commonly used cedar roofing shingle.

Reported to be very durable against subterranean termites and dry wood termites.

Long lasting product If purchasing wholesale, you usually have to get it by the container Can also be used for hardwood flooring and decking.

www.south20.com/woods/wallaba.htm

03 Fans

Hunter (Exterior even for interior) Taylor Industries - 322-8941 • • • • •

Established in 1886 Styles from classic to contemporary Choices by room size, finish or blade colour Website gives advice on how to choose a fan, for the novice home builder Interchangeable accessories available (lights, controls, finishes on downrods)

www.hunterfan.com

04

Insulation

Icynene

Bahamas Foam Insulation – 328-5785 • • • •

Water blown, spray in place, light density expanding foam insulation Completely seals the building envelope and allows control of air movement and moisture within the walls – more energy efficient More expensive cost up front, but will save money on cooling (and heating) over time.

Long-term quality of the air you breathe and your overall health and comfort.

www.icynene.com

05

recessed lightings

Halo

Eagle Electric Supplies and Lighting Centre – 361-2022 • • • •

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More efficient than traditional lighting Last five times longer than fluorescent and 50 times longer than incandescent lights Do not emit infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths – less harmful to fabrics Specifications available on web site

www.haloltg.com

06

Baseboards, Crown Mouldings, Door Window Casings Trupine Profiles • • • •

Many different profiles to choose from (simple or elaborate) Made from plantation grown pine – environmentally conscience Paint and stain grade.

Good prices when compared to similar products.

www.trupineproducts.com

07

Waterproofing Laticrete

Pinders – 324-1943 • • •

Excellent system for installing tiles (waterproofing) Many colour options (for grouting) Roller, trowel or paint brush applied.

-•

Actually been found to be LESS EXPENSIVE to purchase in Nassau that to buy and ship in

08 Paints

Ben Moore

The Paint Place – 394-2216 • • • • •

Established in 1883 Continuous testing to ensure environmental safety Custom colours/colour matching available “Colour Pulse” gives 12-18 month colour trends.

Numerous product catalogues and specifications available online

www.benjaminmoore.com

•

• •

09 Stains

The Paint Place – 394-2216 Gives detailed information on the type of stain, best use (interior/exterior), how to clean up and gloss level.

Technical data sheet available online Each stain type lists best features

www.texaspaint.com/BMExtStains.htm

10

Siding & soffits

Hardi Plank

Pinders - 324-1943 • • • • •

Fibre cement board, but can be cut like wood Very durable product Will not ignite when expose to direct flame Variety of exposures depending on the application Some products available in a variety of colours

www.jameshardie.com

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Intern Architect Age: Education: Experience: Skill sets:

25-30 years old B.Arch Three years experience (one in US, two in Bahamas) CD’s, spec writing, 3-D modeling, design, LEED trained, presentation specialist, contract preparation, interior design, construction administration.

CAD Tech

Age: 18-25 years old Education: Sophomore Experience: Two years experience (two Bahamas) Skill sets: CD’s, construction administration.

Interior Design Intern

Age: 18-20 years old Education: B.Arch Experience: Three years experience (one in US, two in Bahamas) Skill sets: CD’s, spec writing, 3-D modeling, design, LEED trained, presentation specialist, contract preparation, interior design, construction administration.

To place your positions and job needs or to contact a prospective employee or employer, contact us at insitu.magazine@gmail.com

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