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The flavour of the Pacific

The islands of the Pacific are as renowned for their exotic cultures as for their sapphire lagoons and coral reefs. Part of the islands’ distinctive flavour comes from the amalgamation of colonial influences with time-honoured practices, and nowhere is this meeting of worlds more visible than in an architecture which blends modern and traditional materi­als, techniques and design concepts. In his recently pub­lished book Pacific Island Style (from which the pictures on the following pages are reprinted), Auckland photographer Glenn Jowitt documents the diversity of island buildings.

In the Solomon Islands, one of the more remote Pacific nations, homes built entirely of natural materials are still common. Hardwood frames support walls and roofs of sago palm leaves woven together with vines, through which air can pass, providing much-needed ventilation in the equatorial heat and humidity. The coolest air comes off the sea, so houses are frequently built over the water or on stilts at its edge.
In the Solomon Islands, one of the more remote Pacific nations, homes built entirely of natural materials are still common. Hardwood frames support walls and roofs of sago palm leaves woven together with vines, through which air can pass, providing much-needed ventilation in the equatorial heat and humidity. The coolest air comes off the sea, so houses are frequently built over the water or on stilts at its edge.
The Arulmigu Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple, in Nadi, is Fiji's largest centre of Hindu worship. Some 45 per cent of the Fijian population are of Indian ethnicity, descendants of labourers brought to the islands to work for the Colonial Sugar Refining Company in the late 19th century. A fifth are Muslim, most of the remainder Hindu. A love of striking colour combinations-an Indian as much as a Pacific trait-finds vivid expression here, in what, to Western eyes, might be an unexpectedly exotic edifice for this part of the world.
The Arulmigu Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple, in Nadi, is Fiji’s largest centre of Hindu worship. Some 45 per cent of the Fijian population are of Indian ethnicity, descendants of labourers brought to the islands to work for the Colonial Sugar Refining Company in the late 19th century. A fifth are Muslim, most of the remainder Hindu. A love of striking colour combinations-an Indian as much as a Pacific trait-finds vivid expression here, in what, to Western eyes, might be an unexpectedly exotic edifice for this part of the world.
Cook Island Traditional open-sided whare are a rarity in the Cook Islands today. Most people live in box-shaped, louvre-windowed hurricane houses of modern construction. These timber-framed dwellings, with concrete-block or Fibrolite walls and a tin roof, are far sturdier than their predecessors-made of wooden poles and coconut, pandanus or reed matting-which were regularly flattened by storms and had to be rebuilt.
The grand construction and rich decoration of the churches of Samoa speak not just of the reverence in which these focal points of the community are held, but also of inter-village rivalry to be the most generous supporters. It is a matter of honour for a village to donate more than its neighbour.
In Samoa this grand construction and rich decoration of the churches of Samoa speak not just of the reverence in which these focal points of the community are held, but also of inter-village rivalry to be the most generous supporters. It is a matter of honour for a village to donate more than its neighbour.
Europe's romantic vision of the Pacific was born in Tahiti with the arrival of Captain Cook. Its allure has reached down the ages, prompting-in the shadow of artist Paul Gauguin-many a photographic attempt to capture its essence. Suffused with sunlight, and constructed at the water's edge in and around a growing tree, a fare of coconut log supports, woven palm fronds and bamboo panels epitomises the same beachcomber idyll. Skilful use of furnishings and decor creates a chic indoor-outdoor living space a10 mode tahitienne. The side of the house facing the sea is always open to its welcome breeze and extended eave the only concession to stormy weather.
Europe’s romantic vision of the Pacific was born in Tahiti with the arrival of Captain Cook. Its allure has reached down the ages, prompting-in the shadow of artist Paul Gauguin-many a photographic attempt to capture its essence. Suffused with sunlight, and constructed at the water’s edge in and around a growing tree, a fare of coconut log supports, woven palm fronds and bamboo panels epitomises the same beachcomber idyll. Skilful use of furnishings and decor creates a chic indoor-outdoor living space a10 mode tahitienne. The side of the house facing the sea is always open to its welcome breeze and extended eave the only concession to stormy weather.

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