My name is Karim Joel Sharpe, I am originally from the parish of St David, I’m currently an Architectural Technician with aspirations to have a career in Construction & Project management within the next decade. My academic pursuits have taken me from the GBSS to the T.A Marryshow Community College and now currently I am undertaking online education at the Indian Institute of Technology studying Architecture and Contemporary Design. I partook in the Project 500 competition purely for the experience. In construction and design having a degree is important but experience cannot be overlooked. As I am young I would like to put myself out there to learn as much as I possibly can about the needs and wants of individuals so that I can excel in my career in the future.

Cinnamon house is centered around creating an environment that can hold out against the harsh tropical conditions we experience in the Caribbean while providing an environment that is suitable, comfortable and aesthetically appealing for the residents of the structure. Utilizing different construction techniques such as “isolated pad footings” in the foundation as opposed to “strip footings” utilizes less founds and resources while maintaining a durable structure to hold the building. Another example would be the use of parapet walls which envelopes the roof increasing the resistance to strong winds that are often experienced with the passing of depressions, storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean region. Controlling and collecting rain water flow and also making arrangements for current technologies such as Photovoltaic systems to produce renewable energy for a more sustainable environment.