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Exploring Bermuda's traditions and transitioning architectural industry through the eyes of local architect 'Chili Bop'
The small, mid-Atlantic island of Bermuda is characteristically welcoming and awe-strikingly beautiful. For all who visit, it is a place which exists unparalleled in natural beauty, creative wonder and island charm. Having grown up there, I can recall with ease the vibrant colours and picturesque settings which bless Bermuda’s shores – largely in nature, but also in humankind.
From the ground up
First settled in 1612, Bermuda’s architectural traditions stem largely from its British heritage, as local architect ‘Chili Bop’ recants how traditions were inspired by rural country, and were ‘interpreted by shipwrights rather than housebuilders’. He also outlines how construction was largely guided by the limited but local resources – such as as limestone and turtle oil – as well as the mild climate.
Due to the limited access to the traditional resources used in British architecture, Bermudian settlers initially looked to the endemic Bermuda Cedar tree. This native resource was soon the feature of new homes, and has remained a staple in Bermudian architecture which can still be found in some of the surviving traditional households – and which you can even still visit today!
Yet as humans tend to do, Bermudian Cedars soon grew scarce and became increasingly difficult to obtain and use for architectural purposes. Thankfully they exist today as a protected species, and are no longer allowed to be cut down without explicit permission from the government. This of course had a significant effect on the architecture industry, as the search for a new source of medium returned.
Towards the end of the 17th century, Bermudian houses were increasingly constructed to withstand the gale-force winds and torrential rain conditions which accompanied the seasonal hurricanes on their voyage West. The solution for which was also found locally – all though this time it was beneath the ground of Bermudian homes, rather than in the form of the regal Cedars which decorated its landscape.
As a volcanic island, Bermuda’s base is made from limestone, often of such a quality that it provided the perfect hearty frame for new construction. A New York Times article from 1890 describes this material transition through a comparison with Cuban building techniques, and explains Bermuda’s high construction costs as the result of the highly complex development process (which it outlines in great detail). The article also reflects the racial undertones of the late 19th century, with an unmistakably common use of racial slurs and assumptions stemming from norms like the prevalence of ‘West Indies servants’. It thus enlightens upon how Bermuda’s architectural traditions have changed in correspondence with its cultural development – with houses originally built with servants quarters now a staple historical school field trip.
Flora, Fauna & Function
Beyond their physical framework, the exteriors of Bermudian buildings are also designed with its unique sub-tropical climate in mind. One of the most prominent features of Bermudian houses are the strikingly white, stepped roofs which shelter all but few of its houses. As a BBC article debates ‘Why houses in Bermuda have white stepped roofs‘, the overarching reason is that as well as catching the eye of the average admirer, Bermudian roofs also catch rainwater. Given its natural scarcity, the stepped roofs retain the rain and filter it to underground tanks, storing it as the primary source of accessible freshwater.
The colouring of our roofs are also significant, as the white naturally reflects the harsh summer sun, but also serves as convenient marker of when it’s time to clean a dirty roof! In a more aesthetic sense, the white contrasts stunningly against the pastel hues painted on the exteriors of each home. Inspired by local flora and fauna, every building is coated with a bright and colourful shade which harmonises with its surrounding neighbors and nature – the epitome of a Bermudian lifestyle.
There are many more traditional features of Bermudian architecture which spring from the cultural and artistic environment layered over the island, one of the many sources of attraction for tourism.
A changing industry
An interview with local architect ‘Chili Bop’ (CB) provided an enlightened lens into the contemporary changes within Bermuda’s architecture industry. After graduating school at 17, CB recalls how little he knew about architectural work – let alone his future plans. When a chance opportunity arose through networking, CB jumped ahead despite ‘knowing nothing’ about the trades involved.
Going to work was not even on my mind, I didn’t have a job. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my days on Horseshoe Bay
Despite having never done art in school, CB has cherished the design and technical drawing aspects of architecture throughout his career. He notes how ‘it took a long time to master the art of drawing by hand’, but it was a major bonus of learning in order to build this into his drafting process.
Still producing hand-crafted plans worthy of decorating a museum, CB’s work highlights the simple beauty of design – particularly when it reflects a love for Bermuda’s environments. Even now, operating without a mobile phone or even an email, CB’s work examples how a word-of-mouth culture still lingers across the Bermudian architecture industry.
CB does note however the increasing challenges to his token style of work, particularly in the face of technological and electronic systems. When starting as an apprentice in 1968, there were only 3 major architecture firms on the island, and CB recalls how ‘the architects almost worked a closed shop’ as the industry has grown increasingly regulated. Since the 1990’s the industry has snowballed as overseas opportunities have arisen, and as a new Architects & Technicians Legal Act has been in the works.
Regardless, CB sticks to his roots and continues to produce high quality good design despite various industry pressures, and remains the essence of the friendly Bermudian nature and charm.
Space to grow?
As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Bermuda’s population is catching up to its roughly 55 squared km (21 squared miles) parameter. This puts to question the future of the industry, particularly as its globalised network bings new cultural influences to the island, as well as challenges like climate issues and even COVID-19.
Also existing as one of the most expensive places in the world to live, Bermuda as a whole must recall the value of its natural beauty – and the costs of constant development and consumerist lifestyles. With no shortage of tourist attraction – undoubtedly remaining one of the most beautiful places on Earth – we must preserve our traditional architecture and design, as well as the quality and value of hard work and kindness that those like Chili Bop continue to express.
Great article Tate! X
CB is a treasure most certainly.
Excellent article Tate! Love the historical ones. Keep them coming. Cheers!
Super cool Tate! Bermuda really is like no other. I can’t wait to visit one day.