A St. George?s man?s dream to import log cabins, normally seen in the Rocky mountains, to Bermuda was crushed by the Development Applications Board (DAB) last week.

In their last meeting, the DAB refused Gregory Smith?s request to construct log cabins in Bermuda.

?They said it did not meet the traditional Bermuda image,? he said.

Mr. Smith said he was blown away when he first saw log cabins in Vancouver and has pursued them as a business venture ever since.

In fact, Mr. Smith said he had just returned to the Island after learning how to build cabins.

?It?s just like putting together a puzzle,? he said. The homes are constructed with eight-inch by four-inch, fire-treated, southern-pine logs, he said, which he soon hopes to prove will withstand 150 mph winds.

The price of the cabins ranges from $17,000 to $68,000, he said. A homeowner already, Mr. Smith said he wanted to bring in the cabins for the affordable housing shortage.

Bermuda stone cannot be used to roof the cabins, he said, however, they may be painted different colours once the logs have been stained.

Undeterred, Mr. Smith said he will continue with cabins, selling them in America and the Caribbean instead.

?I will still sell them to people abroad,? he said. ?It is a shame Bermuda will be left out.?