Montserrat is leading the way in the Caribbean in responding to the effects of climate change on building designs.
In September 2017, the Caribbean region encountered an extremely active Atlantic Hurricane Season with an increase in the frequency of high-intensity storms. As such, the Government of Montserrat in collaboration with consultant Structural Engineer, Mr. Rick Ehlert from the USA, have developed prototypes for 2-bedroom units that are capable of withstanding category 5++ hurricanes, with wind speeds in excess of 180mph.
The OECS Building Code currently dictates that residential units within the island of Montserrat should be designed to withstand a minimum of 161mph winds (category II building types). This increase in building resistivity is anticipated to reduce the damage left in the wake of high-intensity storms within the island.
Additionally, the structures were also designed with increased seismic resistivity.
These structures are currently being tendered and are due for construction in early 2018 as a part of the MATHLE Social Housing Project.
Images taken from the Government of Montserrat's Tendering website for:
The Tender for the Construction of Two-Bedroom Unit at Davy Hill - Lot 192.
The tender can be found here at:
http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Tender-for-MATHLE-Social-Housing-The-Construction-of-Two-Bedroom-Unit-at-Davy-Hill-Lot-192.pdf
