Bermudian architecture

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Architectural history

Bermuda has developed its own unique architecture, which helps it overcome two of its greatest adversities: hurricanes and the islands' complete lack of natural fresh water supplies.

Traditional Bermudian structures are notable for their thick stone walls - now required by law to be able to resist winds of at least 117 mph. These walls are typically painted a solid pastel colour, making the buildings bright and welcoming.

The roofs are exclusively white, their stepped slopes having been made out of limestone, and then white-washed. This limestone removes impurities from rain water, which is then funnelled into underground water tanks that supply the household water. As such, there is little in the way of government-supplied water. To overcome small tank sizes, many Bermudians dig wells to supply their toilets - the water that is produced from these wells is now too contaminated with salt for any other purpose.

Other notable traits of traditional Bermudian houses include prominent eaves and green-painted wooden shutters on every window (closed to protect the glass from flying objects during hurricanes). Since the local limestone is very soft, Bermudian houses have historically eschewed complex decorations, leading to a very severe and restrained style.

Beyond the housing, a traditional object of Bermudian architecture is the moongate, a symbolic stone ring that looks like a door-less doorway in walls.

Bermudian architecture

Further reading

Detailed references, by parish