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A stroll through the capital, St. John’s, will reveal scores of quaint wooden structures with visual architectural appeal and a kaleidoscope of color. Described as works of art, the vernacular architecture reveals historic cultural elements that novel architecture could never articulate.
At the turn of the 20th century, the simple architecture of the “wattle and daub” shelter with a thatched roof, evolved into the wooden chattel house by the 1950’s. A & B architecture has responded to the needs of a tropical climate, sensitivity to social, cultural and climatic requirements and the use of available materials and methods of construction.
In earlier years, there was an extensive use of timber as a building material as it was readily accessible in the region. However, due to fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters, the entire Caribbean has shifted from predominant use of timber to the concrete block.
Since the introduction of concrete the “face” of A & B’s architecture has changed significantly. The Redcliffe Street Shopping district, with its waterfront shops and restaurants has been restored to capture some of the historical glory. The architecture is described as a photographer’s dream -- the communion of building with nature, while juxtaposing tradition and innovation.
“Buildings aren't frozen in time, time does not put a stopwatch on the way a design manifests itself. Buildings can be considered “living organisms”, that change and adapt as they are used.”
- Kisho Kurokawa, Japanese architect
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