The igloo house is a hurricane-proof and energy-efficient structure created by Caribbean Tropical Igloo Homes Limited. - Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

We journeyed to St Ann in early October to view the new igloo homes being offered by Caribbean Tropical Igloo Homes (CTIH). These are structures which are said to be hurricane-proof and energy-efficient, as well as cheaper to construct than traditional Jamaican block and steel houses.

Painted in a primrose yellow, the model igloo house in Runaway Bay appeared to be as sturdy as promised, with unexpected space and proportions in interior design. The prefabricated structure appeared secure. But members of our team said that the shape of the structure - identical to the igloo - will take some getting used to.

The Canadian/Jamaican owners of Caribbean Tropical Igloo Homes claim over 35 combined years residential and industrial construction experience. Engineer Beres Rochester resides in Jamaica.

Cost effective

It is noted that this new project is an engineering feat in cost-effective and energy-efficient homes.

According to information available on the CTIH website, www.caribbeantropical igloohomes.com, the domes are guaranteed to withstand 200 miles per hour winds and Category five hurricanes. The igloo's unique shape also eliminates the need for a roof, while providing more usable living space.

The structure is made of seven inches of foam insulation with an outer shell of concrete and steel. This means, the owners claim, that cool air does not escape through the walls and roof as it would in conventional homes. This feature reduces the monthly expense of air conditioning to less than one quarter of any other home currently on the market, the directors claim.

Owners also promise a 'worry-free' hurricane season with the help of the geodesic network of structural arches created by the thick concreted seams that join the steel and fibre reinforced panels.

The dome's exterior is a shell of continuous concrete with incredible durability, with nothing to rot, rust, warp, be eaten by termites or be damaged by fungus, moulds and insects.

Maintenance

"Little or no maintenance is required," the CTIH claims, with only occasional painting required. The dome's expanded polystyrene insulation will not shrink or deteriorate.

Options in residential contraction range from one-bedroom to five-bedroom houses:

The single 27-foot dome is 852 square feet and includes one bedroom and one bathroom. The cost is listed as $2,616,250.

The 48-foot dome is 2,300 square feet and can accommodate up to five bedrooms comfortably, including a large master bedroom with a walk-in closet. The price ranges between $7,848,750 and $8,708,375.

Reduce cost

Caribbean Tropical Igloo Homes also offers dome kits to contractors and individuals who wish perform some of the work, which will dramatically reduce the overall cost of the home and allow them to influence the final outcome.

Each kit comes with an assembly manual which will allow individuals to construct their dome with standard hand tools, but do not include any of the interior walls or second floor building materials, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets.

The dome, when assembled, is said to be a free-standing structure of great strength which allows the homeowner limitless possibilities for placing bedroom, kitchen and bathroom locations.

- Get more information at www.caribbeantropicaligloohomes.com.