VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IN THE BAY ISLAND

A DIVERSE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NATIVE CONSTRUCTION

Artículo publicado en Coconut Telegraph, Roatán. Dibujo de modelos

By Mauricio Alejandro Castaneda



As we approach the islands by air, long sequences of peaked red roofed houses can be seen along the coast line. We also see the backdrop of these tiny dots, the blue water, green forest and blue sky.

Once we are on the roads, we are involved by houses, people, colors-streets ornamented with fences, porches, and windows all eager to give us information about the past, the present, and tomorrow’s life.

All of this ready information forms the vernacular dialect, the common everyday language of people which permit us to understand the curious construction activity of the islands. The results… a wide and diverse architectural encyclopedia.

The people who inhabit the islands are an amalgam of foreign and native influences. Their home reflect the synthesis of different architectural styles with an exhibition of the early influence of Amer-Indians and Africans, from their handcrafted houses made of bahareque (braided twigs) to the English manor with porches and Victorian gingerbread details.

Blue, green and blue are the colorscape of the islands. The blue sky suggests eternity and it provides us with sunny days and breezes. The climate, full of sensual and emotional power touches the top of the coconut trees and rocks the palm leafs, while the seagrapes, hibiscus and bougainvillea provide the colors and background of our townscapes.

As we travel along the islands, we are captivated by magnificent views and this natural-weather art form that governs our manner of living. The island communities connected by bridges, docks, canals and dories group the houses, churches and shops along the shores.

Light and air are the basic elements for a well-ventilated house which stands on posts. The porch, gallery or veranda, is the islands response to the climate. Both indoor and outdoor space, it provides a separation between the brightness and heat of the outside world, and coolness and modulated light for the interior. The porch shelters the entrance and is always directly overlooking the street, offering easy access to conversation with neighbors.

Pitched roofs are the most important element of architecture in the island, protecting the occupants of the house from sun, rain and storms, weather with such contrasts that the term “roof” gives us the necessary shelter and also a sense of security.

Doors and windows are used to control light while allowing soft breezes to circulate throughout the interior. Louvered wood shutter are seen on windows and doors instead of glass and inside screen-like louvered partitions keep the rooms well ventilated.

Wood is the most important material; always with a touch of personal expression which gives identity and pride to the owner. We see verandas made of carved wood decorating the streets; gingerbread fretwork and lattice work with patterns for railings, columns, staircases, and fences.

The island color reflects our surrounding, and there is no place in the world where we dare so much with colors. Softer tone next to vibrant hues the intense blue of the sky, red and yellow of the hibiscus, brilliant pinks and candy-like colors of bougainvillea, bright blue and counterpoint yellow color paint our landscape.

The furniture is made of natural materials, straw and rattan chairs, and wooden benches. On the porch, the swing chairs provide an opportunity for chatting and the hammocks offer an invitation to nap.

Gardens tender food, drink and medicine. Rain water cisterns are constructed as part of the houses. Colorful flowers in the front show off a decorative motif while trees provide shade and cool the air. Mango trees are seen in town and coconuts, seagrapes and almond trees identify our beaches and iron shores. Often seen are palapas or shed adorned with coral rocks, or a nursery which enlightens and open terrace catching the aroma of citrus and the colors of crotons and lilies.
All of these factors show us a dreamy nature, healthy climate, and a mixed culture which combined, illuminates our lives and makes them more pleasant.