This is a design proposal presented to Jumby Bay for new dining facilities at the Estate House. The Estate House dates back to early colonial days of the Island as a sugar plantation, and had been modified by the time we got involved in the design of the Island and resort in 1983. It was two buildings made out of three foot thick ruble walls with a courtyard between paved in colonial era English bricks used as ballast on sailing ships carrying the rum and molasses back to Europe. Unfortunately those bricks were lost one year when a hotel manager had them taken up because their uneven surface made the tables wobble. The stone rubble walls, fortunately, proved to be more resistant to impromptu renovations and remain to this day.
In 1983 we added a small wooden dining pavilion between the courtyard and a beautiful Saman tree. Over the years extensions were added eventually creating the unique outdoor dining experience Jumby Bay became known for. However, it was very difficult space for hotel staff to provide service, especially in blowing rain. This design concept replaces that dining area with a new wing that is in the spirit of the original Estate House and embraces the Saman Tree (which by now has survived major hurricanes and grown into a commanding tree with an incredibly broad canopy).
This new dining room has thick Caribbean stone walls, 20 foot high ceilings and 12' high doors that can be closed when air conditioning is needed or allow evening meal service to continue in torrential rains. The new wing is surrounded by a wrap around terrace allowing outside dining that is, for the most part, protected on the leeward side from blowing rain. No guest is seated more than one table from the view or lush tropical gardens under the canopy of the Saman tree. An elegant yet intimate dining experience that is central to the Jumby Bay style of casual elegance.
