A House That Breathes — Building the Future of Jamaican Architecture with Dean Jones

Kingston, Jamaica — In his latest feature for the Jamaica Observer, distinguished chartered building professional, project manager, realtor and surveyor Dean Jones invites Jamaicans into a vision of architecture that truly “breathes”. The article, titled “A house that breathes — The future of Jamaican architecture”, captures the essence of designing homes in harmony with climate, culture and community. Jamaica Observer

“Our climate tells the truth. The sun draws hard lines; the wind makes soft edits… We drifted for a while — thin glass, sealed boxes, rooms that sweat unless the air-conditioner hums all day. But the future of Jamaican architecture is not a museum of imported habits. It’s a return to rightness: orientation, shading, cross-ventilation…” Dean Jones

In the article, Jones blends his deep familiarity with Jamaica’s built environment and his forward-thinking vision. He emphasises:

• Homes that work with the wind and the sun, not against them. 
• Affordable design that carries dignity for everyday Jamaican families.  
• Architecture that reaches up when land runs out, but still retains the warmth, breezeways and verandas of our traditions.  
• Sustainability not as an afterthought, but as the baseline of design. 

Read the full article here: A House That Breathes – Jamaica Observer

At Jamaica Homes we believe that every residence is more than just shelter—it’s nation-building made visible. Through this piece, Dean Jones issues a clear call to architects, policymakers, builders and homeowners alike: let’s build with intention, let’s design with place, and let’s craft homes that last.