Architecture

Traditional Features in Bermuda

Do Now:

Name 2 traditional architectural features

found in Bermuda.

Watch out this stuff we are about to learn is

HOT!!!!!!

Why Limestone?• Limestone today is quarried and used for

building.

• It’s very easy to cut and shape into block and slate.

• Easy to get to. Just remove a few inches of soil and whoop bam surprise!

• Limestone is porous which keeps Bermuda homes cool during the hot and humid summers. Don’t try to hang a picture though!!!!!

• You can find limestone in just about all of Bermuda’s traditional architectural features.

Slate Roofs

The first settlers who came from England, knew how to thatch roofs with the tall grasses of their country. A roof covering of straw or reeds

In Bermuda they used palmetto leaves instead. These rotted quickly and harboured rats.

Limestone Roofs

• All the houses had white roofs with a coat of limestone that they used to collect rainwater.

• An interesting fact is that the limestone actually helps purify the water. All the water would go down into their own tanks and would be used for drinking, showers, and other uses for fresh water.

Rafter Feet• The lengths of

timber joined to the top face of rafters help to carry the roof beyond the outer wall. 

• Rafter feet give Bermuda houses their distinctive cottage look.

Tanks• These were built close to the house

and partly in the ground.• Many of the old tanks had a half

barrel-shaped roof which provided ventilation and kept the water cool.

• The people used to dip their water from an opening made at the side until pumps became available. Later tanks were built under the houses as they are today.

Above Ground Water Tank

Verandah or Veranda This a roofed opened gallery or porch. It

has an openpillared gallery, generally roofed, built

around a centralstructure. It is usually partly enclosed by

a railing and frequentlyextends across the front and sides of the building structure.

Verandah or Veranda The word verandah originated in India

where it is found in several native languages.

However, it mayhave been an adaptation of the

Portuguese or older Spanish varanda (baranda in modern

Spanish), again borrowed from Indian languages,

referring to arailing, balustrade or balcony.

The Chimney They were made from limestone. You will find these sturdy elements at the gable ends

of many houses.  Strong with stepped shoulders, they can be found with bands of necking at the top, and with pointed flue vents.  Later chimneys are hexagonal or octagonal in shape

The fireplaces were used for heating , cooking and to dry homes.

Privy/Outhouse This is an outside

toilet which was influenced by the West Indies

Buttery• A small out – building

with thick walls with an ornamental ball on top.

• This was used to store perishable foods

Welcoming Arms A set of stairs

which are narrow at the top and wide on the bottom. This beckons the visitor to enter.

Moongate It is made of

limestone . Couples walk through this to wish each other good luck. It is influenced by China and Japan

Moongates are not just found in Bermuda you know!

Why do Bermudians wall and hedge themselves in?

Boundary Walls Many properties are bounded on all

sides by a dry stone wall, a feature that extends to most of Bermuda’s roadways

How many Quoins does it take to build a Pillaster?

Pilasters are called false pillars Quoins are the corner stones of brick or stone walls These are used to strengthen the walls and as

decorative purposes British influence

Gable Vision A gable is the triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a

sloping roof. Scalloped gables which are triangular structures. For example a

canopy over a door was used for decoration as well. It was influenced by the Portuguese.

Eyebrow A stone arch

decoration above a window or door. This is used for decorative purposes, and prevents the rain from coming in.

Jalousie Blinds This is a shutter. It is influenced by the

West Indies to facilitate privacy, provide shade and air and prevent rain from coming in.

Pastel Coloured Houses The colors of the

houses in Bermuda are amazing, they're all bright and cheerful.

Why is this so?

Why do we name our houses?

Can you believe all of this!

Originated in Britain. House naming started many years

ago with rich people naming their homes.

The rich named their Halls, Houses, Manors, Castles, and Lodges according to ancestry (Norfolk House (Duke of), location Belvoir Castle (overlooking the Belvoir Valley) and family titles: Castle Droge (named after a 13th ancestor)

Gradually over the years other people began to give names to their homes too.

This Old HouseBefore After

What’s the dealio????

Bermuda Architecture