TRENDS IN CARIBBEAN ARCHITECTURE

by Christopher Barnett, M.Arch, BA.AS (Hons), A.D, B.I.A Registered Architect

The Caribbean is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, which are reflected in the region's distinctive home design and architecture. The current trends in home design and architecture for Barbados and the Caribbean are a fascinating blend of cultural influences, sustainability, and the celebration of the region's natural beauty. Cultural influences play a significant role in home design and architecture in the region, with vibrant colours, patterns, and traditional architectural elements like verandahs and courtyards reflecting the region's rich heritage. These trends resonate with my personal architectural style, which embraces a harmonious integration of nature, functionality, and cultural context.

The region's pleasant climate encourages the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. Tropical Modernism/Biophilic design is a prevalent design trend in the region, combining modern architectural elements with the tropical environment to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor areas through open floor plans, expansive windows, and outdoor living spaces. Expansive verandahs, covered terraces, and courtyards with an increasing trend of creating ‘Al fresco’ dining spaces are all designed as extensions of the living areas, creating seamless transitions between the interior and the natural surroundings. We will see more designs utilising natural materials, water features, living green walls, and ample natural light to create spaces that foster well-being and harmony with the natural world. Additionally, the demand for flexible and multi-purpose spaces will increase as lifestyles evolve, requiring designs that can adapt to changing requirements while ensuring longevity and functionality.

Looking towards the future, we envision a continued focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and the creation of immersive, experiential spaces. The integration of sustainable practices is also on the rise in Barbados and the Caribbean, with homeowners and architects incorporating energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials, and renewable energy sources like solar panels. Technological integration is expected to shape the future of home design, with smart home systems and automation enhancing functionality and comfort. Integrated systems for lighting, security, and energy management will enhance convenience and efficiency.

Unfortunately, one of the major factors which will steer home design for the future is the high building cost in Barbados. This will greatly impact the aesthetic features of homes; architects will have to get increasingly creative to balance a budget and good design. As an architect with the Blue Print Management team, I am excited to contribute to the ongoing focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and adaptable spaces that enhance the lives of residents while maintaining a deep connection to the natural surroundings. By embracing these trends and continually evolving our design styles, we at Blue Print Management aim to create spaces that not only embody the unique essence of the region but also cater to the evolving needs and aspirations of individuals and communities.

Christopher Barnett is a licensed Architect and a graduate of The Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology (UTEC H) in Jamaica, graduating with a Masters of Architecture and a Bachelors of Arts in Architectural Studies (Hons) and an Associate Degree in Built Environment. Christopher has ten years of architectural internship working at Archis Design Group. While working with Archis Design group he would have worked on single family dwellings to multi family and multi commercial projects in Barbados and across the region. Having recently joined the Blue Print Management team he very is focused on self and career development. He also has a Real Estate Certification which is an added value to identifying key market movement to guide development designs. He is progressively developing skills in design and development from the meta-physical to the physical, problem solving, effective team collaborations and handling multiple projects simultaneously with the highest level of quality, accuracy and professionalism. His various roles contribute to the overall dynamic presentation style the firm produces.

“By age 25, I will have my own home.” – A sentiment made by an optimistic young child or teenager who has no idea of the gruelling process it takes to make that dream come true. I am sure that we all wished that the pathway to home independence was smooth and that the imaginations of our dream home could appear as quickly as it does in a daydream. However, with the complexities of the process, everyone should be aware of the necessary research and steps to be taken to ensure they make wise decisions and save time and money.

The excitement to own a home is warranted, but making somewhat permanent decisions without key information can cause significant blunders. One of the most common issues that potential homeowners highlight is the question of buying or building. Many battle the pros and cons of the two yet are still on the fence when it comes to deciding if to build from scratch or buy a financed home.

While we at Smart Homes Magazine cannot make that choice for you, we can surely provide some necessary pointers, tips to suit your budget, and a small guide to assist in making the best decision.

One of the first things to consider when making the decision to build or buy a house is usually based on finances. Questions about affordability to match the budget are subjective; however, the costs associated with building or buying can run up into the thousands. This is why conversations with yourself about the best financial option rather than dreams and luxury is important.

When it comes to building from scratch, potential homeowners are better able to construct a home that is uniquely theirs. What potential builders must be aware of, are all the upfront costs when it comes to purchasing or clearing and cleaning land, buying materials and other miscellaneous costs. The purchases that need to be made to ensure a solid foundation and structure are normally one of the most costly aspects, especially when you are aiming to use highquality lumber and steel. In addition to those initial costs, those who chose to build are tasked with the responsibility of searching for the best quality contractor while making sure that they stick within budget. On the flip side when it comes to buying a financed home, the loan usually provides a sense of financial backing when it comes to getting the process started and completed within a specific period. The security of a loan to handle all of the associated costs such as legal fees, insurance and labour can provide a measure of comfort in comparison to building. However, it is important to note that monthly payments associated with mortgages can run you into deep debt and financial stress. Therefore, it is critical that before decisions are made, time is taken to review current expenses and budget for a home that can best suit the individual financial situation.

While finances are the most spoken about when it comes to buying or building a house, discussions surrounding other advantages and disadvantages of both processes should be considered. As mentioned previously, the upfront costs associated with building a house can be a challenge, especially if you do not have the financial backing. Outside of that though, there are other things which can make the process strenuous and draining. Additional limitations include the time factor which can be up to seven months and sometimes over ten years. This one in itself places a risk on the individual when it comes to stability to maintain their current living condition while investing in the construction of the home. While these are cons, there are some major benefits of building such as complete customisation, ideal location and the comfort that you have avoided debt.

One of the best things that have happened in the real estate market is the ability to combine house and land packages into a monthly fee. This allows for consultation with a finance officer to determine what you can afford to pay for during the repayment period. However, a lot of the packages are limited to one specific location with similar layouts and plans for all the homes which can limit creativity. In addition, many of these packages come with mandatory covenants which can present limitations to customers such as entrepreneurs.

Deciding to build or to buy a home is a process and there are many considerations to be made. As with everything, there are pros and cons to each and people should take the time to carefully examine the options and extra factors before jumping to make a decision. With the necessary knowledge and advice, you are better equipped to make a choice that is beneficial and sustainable for the present and the future.

by Nick Nunes

Barbados is a small island. This country is prone to dastardly stretches of sun-beat heat and equally dismal expanses of extreme rain. Coupling up with those extremes is the ever-present salt air, courtesy of the constant humidity and proximity to the deep blue that surrounds us.

This combination of conundrums leads to a difficult time in maintaining outdoor spaces. Metals swiftly rust from the salt and humidity, stone, tile, and wood accumulate unsightly mould from wetness, and all manner of surfaces suffer from bleaching when the long, dry, and baking days take hold.

Barbados is a beautiful country that offers long stretches of the year where enjoying the outdoors is one of the mainstays of gathering together. The leading cause of damage to outdoor furniture, especially in sunny Barbados, is the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Wood, painted metal, plastics, etc. are all affected by the harsh rays of the sun. The unrelenting heat from ultraviolet rays cause bleaching, paint peeling, and resin breakdown in materials.

According to Outdoor Space Accents, “The sun’s UV rays will penetrate the surface material, break down the glue in the wood, and discolour it. This process takes years and can even go into decades, depending on the type of wood used.”

Unfortunately, the damage from the constant sun can also increase the likelihood that other elements can further damage outdoor accessories. Once wood over-dries and begins to split and break down, rain and wind can team up to take down your furniture even faster. Once moisture enters, then comes the potential for swelling and the growth of moulds.

Even weather-resistant cloth coverings for cushions that are crafted specifically for outdoor spaces can be susceptible. Once the heat begins to break down the structure of materials, they become more brittle and can stretch, become thin, lose elasticity, and eventually break down completely.

Even metal furnishings will eventually oxidise and corrode due to long and intense exposure to the sun. Many materials can take ages to weather from just the sun, but adding in all the other weather factors and combining them will take a toll on your outdoor space’s look and structural integrity.

Strong plastics, treated metals, expensive but durable woods (like Brazilian walnut), etc. are the best way to prolong the inevitable. However, covers for all your accoutrements is probably the best way to expand their lifespan.

Whether your covers come in the form of a pergola, patio roof, or individual sheaths for each of your outdoor pieces, a cover is the best way to protect your exterior stuff. Storage areas for cushions, fitted covers for pieces that regularly get exposed to rain and