In a nod to the past, a Chinese construction company is reintroducing the concept of movable homes to Jamaica, blending it with modern technology. Long before prefabricated homes became popular, Jamaican great-grandparents built houses on raised wooden frames known as “cellars,” allowing them to adapt to their changing environments. Now, China International Construction Company (CICC) Assembly Limited is seeking to modernize this idea with its line of high-tech modular cabin houses.
Since its arrival in Jamaica in 2019, under the leadership of Director and General Manager Changbin Lu, CICC has aimed to merge comfort, efficiency, and technology to create housing solutions tailored to local needs. During a recent visit to the company’s Ferry Pen site, Lu expressed his hope that these prefabricated homes could serve as a contemporary alternative to traditional concrete housing, addressing the demand for affordable and sustainable living options.
Lu recounted the inspiration behind this venture, noting a speech by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who shared his childhood experiences of growing up in cramped conditions with limited access to basic amenities. “Recognizing Jamaica’s favorable business environment, I believed my team’s expertise could contribute positively to the construction landscape here,” Lu said, communicating through his assistant, Kevin Chen, due to his limited English proficiency.
CICC has already made its mark on the Jamaican construction scene, working on several commercial and upscale residential projects in areas like Kingston, Spanish Town, St Catherine, Ocho Rios, and Runaway Bay, often collaborating with major businesses such as Carerras and Sagicor. The decision to develop modular homes stemmed from a desire to integrate modern technology with environmental consciousness, Lu explained, alluding to the inspiration drawn from advancements in China’s space technology.
At the Ferry Pen model site, four distinct cabin models showcase the innovative designs, each offering unique features. The G5 model, approximately 260 square feet, serves as a dual-purpose space, functioning either as a compact home or an office. Sleek interiors, concealed lighting, and a built-in work nook enhance its versatility.
The G8, with its futuristic half-moon glass facade, evokes images of space capsules. Inside, natural light floods the room through panoramic windows, highlighting metallic finishes and hidden LED accents that create an inviting glow. On the other hand, the S5 model, a cozy one-bedroom unit of about 300 square feet, features an intimate layout with expansive glass doors leading to a small patio and smart-home technology controlling various amenities.
The largest offering, the S9, spans around 400 square feet, featuring two bedrooms and an extended patio, making it ideal for small families or vacation rentals. All models are designed with energy-efficient systems, dry-wet separated bathrooms, and expansive glass windows that integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Lu emphasized the advanced features of the cabins, including a whole-house intelligent control system that manages air conditioning, lighting, and other facilities. Prices for these homes start at approximately $7.8 million, with options up to $9 million depending on the model and finishes, making them competitively priced—15-20% lower than traditional concrete houses of similar size.
Interest in these modular homes has surged, attracting government officials, police officers, and prospective homeowners who wish to experience the designs first-hand. Chen noted, “Many real estate developers and individuals have shown strong interest, with numerous site visits and expressions of intent to purchase. Additionally, travel enthusiasts and high-income groups seeking a unique lifestyle are particularly drawn to these innovative dwellings.”
As CICC continues to develop its modular housing concept, it aims to provide Jamaicans with a modern, sustainable living solution that honors the country’s rich architectural heritage.
