An architectural firm has floated the idea of several luxury residential blocks in the East End to deliver more living spaces for the island.

E Se Studios published its proposition for five buildings at Penno’s Wharf, complete with areas for retail vendors and underground parking.

Jonathan Castro, the head of the firm, said that the scheme was only conceptual — but asked: “What if?”

He noted: “The major importance with any conceptual idea is to try out something different to explore the possibilities.

“This effort is just the start of a larger conversation and it’s our hope that it leads to a serious development of the area in the future.

“While there are no investors or serious conversations to make this idea a reality, we hope that it will get people interested and investing in Bermuda.”

The design for Penno’s Wharf Residences includes space for 63 residential units, including studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, and larger homes.

A page on the E Se Studios website described the properties as being part of a “modern development” to “respectfully” contrast with the historic character found in the Town of St George.

Vegetation and ornamental plants were planned to “soften” the concrete look of the buildings, the website said.

The buildings would be elevated one storey above ground to allow for parking, while the conceptualised dock would feature retail spaces for residents and guests.

A walkable path was designed to run through the residencies and into King’s Square

The marina at Penno’s Wharf was anticipated to attract wealthy boaters and boost tourism to the East End.

E Se Studios last September proposed raising height restrictions in the City of Hamilton to allow for more residential units to be built.

The firm said in a Letter to the Editor published in The Royal Gazette that while architectural tradition deserved to be preserved, urban developments should be given space to grow.

Mr Castro said last week that the island’s lack of available land and need for housing made multi-storey complexes worth considering.

He said that buildings such as the conceptualised residences created population density that could be scaled based on height limits.

Mr Castro added: “As we have seen in the latest announcements, discussions on height limits are being carefully considered for the City of Hamilton.

“Allowing developers to build up creates their density requirements without having to build outwards.

“Stopping this sprawl saves the precious green space we have left.”

Comments on the project’s proposal on the firm’s Instagram page were split, with many either welcoming the development or condemning it for being impractical and breaking Bermudian architectural norms.

Mr Castro admitted that his firm expected negative feedback but also took comfort in the support.

He explained: “As a studio, we wanted to create something truly unique for Bermuda.

“By doing something unconventional, it’s almost expected that it will not be 100 per cent loved by Bermudians.

“That is simply because it is different — and different can be scary sometimes.”

Mr Castro added: “The reactions do show that there is also support for new, innovative designs to have a place in Bermuda.

“The success of a project like this next to a heritage site can be accomplished with the time and care of thinking out the design.

“We, as an island nation, need to consider alternatives to what has been done in the past instead of falling back on what we know and understand.”