New Jamaica Beach

Fall 2021

At the current rate of sea-level rise, it is predicted that most of Jamaica Beach will be submerged in 75 years. In response, this new precedent will be constructed off the north end of the island’s bayside, far enough removed from the existing island that construction in the intermediary is not an eyesore, but close enough to still be Jamaica Beach. Being built in the bay, as sea-level rises, the existing but submerged island will ultimately act as an offshore sandbar and barrier that dissipates the future impact of ocean waves, creating a more placid setting for the new Jamaica Beach.

Jamaica Beach remains an island community with beach and bayfront homes. The difference being that the new Jamaica Beach is comprised of a connected grid of smaller islands separated by canals that maximize beach and bayfront homes.

With road access lost to the ocean, the city is now predominately pedestrian and accessed by boat. Current government regulations along the coast stipulate that once the ocean overtakes the land beneath a dwelling, the homeowner loses rights to this property. The new Jamaica Beach preserves homeowner rights, by providing 40x40 lots upon which homeowners can build.

Although the new above-grade height of the island allows for homes shed their stilts, because the city is fully pedestrian, and with density increased on a zero-lot line grid, homes remain on their icon oceanfront stilts but now this raised area acts as a community easement where residents can freely walk throughout the community.

Density within the community is doubled since there no longer exists any need for roadways.

The grid for houses is only intersected in each of the main street commercial corridors that leads to a lagoon-style beach located at the bullseye center of Jamaica Beach. In a community that centers around the beach, what could be more fitting than having a beach at the city core?

Construction Phase

Sea Level Rise

New Jamaica Beach