Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
Errol Hanna on the site of future log homes in Portland. - PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
PORTLAND:
THREE MILES east of the popular Long Bay Beach in the parish of Portland, is the community Ross Craig. It is in this North Coast community where businessman and developer Errol Hanna is creating a unique community for individuals who want an to live in an environment of relaxation, comfort.
He is crafting several high-end log houses on a strip of land overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. These are the first of their kind in the parish, but other successful developments in St. Andrew and in Trelawny have also used log construction.
MODELS
There are four models offered to prospective buyers, the least expensive being 2,160 square feet costing US$350,000. This includes a private swimming pool and solar water heater system, along with other amenities. The largest lot size will be 3,100 square feet.
The entire development of 29 units will be marketed both locally an internationally. He noted the obstacle of the tradition in Jamaica that the best form of construction is concrete and steel.
"It has its advantages," Mr. Hanna said. "Cement and steel are becoming out of reach in terms of costs."
The developer explained that costs are increasing as energy prices soar since these commodities are highly energy-intensive in their production.
The timber used in the log houses, on the other hand, is a renewable resource. It is much cooler than a concrete structure, and it is less labour intensive to erect a log home.
"There is a myth regarding the issue of fire and log homes," Mr. Hanna explained. "A log is a solid mass and scientific tests show that it takes 16 hours to burn through a six-inch thick log. Actually, when a concrete structure is engulfed in fire, the walls become brittle and cracks develop, making the building unsafe structurally. With logs, the surface becomes charred in a fire and refurbishing simply involves power washing and sanding the surface."
'EXCELLENT CONDITION'
He pointed out that the housing development carried out by Bobby Stephens in Maryland, St. Andrew, are in an "excellent condition" after 16 years and have withstood hurricanes such as Hurricane Gilbert.
"We are in the process of implementing plans to erect a model house, which should be up soon," he said. However, "Century 21 now has the exclusive responsibility for marketing the units."
A special aspect of the development will be its energy efficiency, he said. Apart from the solar water heaters, the log construction means the houses will require less cooling and energy-saving light bulbs will also be installed.
