The term “Vernacular Architecture” is derived from the Latin word “vernaculus”, which basically means native, domestic or indigenous. Now in architecture, the word refers to the type of architecture that is indigenous to a specific time or place and is not copied / imported from anywhere else. During the construction of such buildings, materials and resources are located from local areas and traditions to address the local needs and circumstances.
Vernacular architecture is influenced by a vast range of different aspects of human behaviour and its environmental situation which leads to the way a building is constructed. On this you can say that neighbouring villages may have variations to the way they build, materials they use and the size of their dwellings, just because of the difference in culture and the materials that are accessible to them. Despite these differences, every building is subject to the same law of physics and will because of that share very similar structural forms.
More influences on design can be that of the size of families, the way the shelters / buildings shall be used, who will use or share which spaces and how food is prepared and eaten. All of the above will determine the size and layout of certain dwellings.
Examples are that of the East African tribes, where separated single roomed dwellings are built to house different members of the family. Dwellings may be for the wives or even the sons who are now of age and can no longer share with the women of the family. Although in Western Europe one unit is built, and the family is then separated by dividing the building into rooms. Culture can also have a great influence on vernacular architecture and the way it looks, as different cultures will decorate buildings with accordance to local customs and beliefs.
Climate also plays a role in vernacular architecture, obviously depending on the on the area in which the building is situated. For instance, buildings in a cooler climate range will have a high thermal mass or insulated significantly. There will be very few openings to prevent heat loss but in the case of an opening being present, it will most likely be smaller than average.
So understandably, in warmer climates the situation will be quite the opposite. Buildings would be built in much lighter materials than that of the cooler climates, more openings will be incorporated for the necessary cross-ventilation and fabric may also be used rather that solid non-porous materials.
In some case’s climates may vary from season to season causing fluctuating temperatures, buildings may then be altered by the occupants to cope with the relevant climate.
Precipitation can also form the way vernacular buildings look. When in area’s with heavy rainfall, dwellings may be supported upon stilts to keep away from ground level and flooding. Flat roofs will also occur less often if at all in areas of precipitation to prevent the build up of water on surface and leaks.
Similarly, areas where wind occurs, buildings would be positioned in a way to prevent large surfaces to be in contact.
Vernacular architecture in the Mediterranean and that of the Middle East, often include courtyards with a fountain or pond on their dwelling. By doing this the air is then cooled by the water mist and evaporation and drawn through the home through natural ventilation incorporated in the building form. Whereas in Northern Africa vernacular building usually have a high thermal mass with small openings to prevent the heat from entering the home, thus keeping all cool air inside.
All of the above does not necessarily come from design, but rather through trial and error over the generations of building, which often existed before science was brought in to develop new building theories.
The environment can of course govern the style of vernacular architecture. Areas rich in trees would develop wooden structures where as areas lacking trees would resort to stone and mud. Vernacular can therefore be labelled as sustainable, and will not exhaust the local resources. If it were not sustainable, it is not vernacular!
Vernacular architecture can prove itself to be a difficult practise as it can often conflict with zoning and building regulations according to the specific local authorities. For example, in Russia a man (Nikolay P. Sutyagin) has built a house completely made from wood towering 144ft (13 stories) simply because he was not happy with the result of his two stories home. Courts have ordered this building to be demolished as they consider it a fire hazard. On December 26th 2008, the building was knocked down and dismantled. To this day I find the world’s tallest (now non-existent) wooden building amazing, what a pity.
The Cob House
Muizenberg:
The Cob house (Samhitakasha) a B&B is built from mud and straw. A typical vernacular example namely “Cob”, originating and perfected in parts of West Britain. It was built on a brown field site, were the previous house was demolished in the 1970s.
This building was seen as the very first “visible” organic structure built in a city suburb in the country, (others were only found out of town and in small holdings), and had become very popular during the construction stages by the public including school children, where they were invited to open days to learn more about cob building. After completion this site is still very popular and open to the public.
Mud buildings are found amongst African villages where building them has been a tradition for many generations and still is today. Which seems to be the “green” way to go, not only is the use of natural resources a complement to nature but also it is a recyclable item! The cost is beneficial the only cost is to dig soil from the ground, rather than to use expensive materials such as bricks, cement and concrete which are NOT recyclable and not always the friendliest of materials to use.
When building with mud, edges/corners anything for that matter can be smoothened out or chipped off to perfect the outcome of the style. Cut offs can also be reused after being moistened and mixed with straw, for strengthening.
The mud walls incorporated in this style of building allows for moist to move in and out of them thus not getting trapped as it would with normal brick and concrete and creating dampness, because of this it is naturally it keeps the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the outside temperatures. Walls are then plastered with natural lime rather than cement, which also create a waterproofing system on the exterior walls. Sealants and paints have been used in the interior walls and floor to keep it environmentally friendly, and natural slate tiles have been used where tiling is needed.The foundations of the Cob house were mainly made using compact gravel (natural stone) and most of the structural supports were from wooden beams (alien gum tree’s that were being cleaned of the existing property were used for the upright poles supporting the first floor and other structural beams from local pine). Window and door frames have also been handcrafted from wood.
The roof of the dwelling was constructed from insulating combinations of wood, recycled cardboard, clay and straw with a top layer of torch-on bitumen layer as a waterproof element.
For energy saving, a solar geyser and grey water system/rain water collection points have been installed. Renewable power such as: wind pumps and solar panels have also been fitted onto the structure.
Also because of the amount of windows that have been incorporated, it helps with the passive solar heating. This also helps with the natural lighting inside the building, without it being too overwhelming.
So on a whole, throughout my research I have come to the knowledge that vernacular architecture is quite a big thing that is maybe not as noticed as we would like it to be. Although by those that are aware, it is being seen that we should incorporate it more often into the way we build. Is that not what beauty of architecture is about? Using resources that are locally available to suit the aesthetics of our structures....
What is the meaning of this???
Below you will find a selection of words I have come across throughout my research, and their meanings.
Vernacular - is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs and circumstances. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it exists. It has often been dismissed as crude and unrefined, but also has proponents who highlight its importance in current design.
Cob - is a building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water and earth, similar to adobe. Cob is fireproof, resistant to seismic activity, and inexpensive. It can be used to create artistic sculptural forms and has been revived in the recent years by the natural building and sustainability movements.
Adobe - A type of clay.
Brown-Field Site - A piece of industrial or commercial property that is abandoned or underused and often environmentally contaminated, especially one considered as a potential site for redevelopment.
Green-field site - an area not previously used for built development.
Natural lime - Natural lime plaster is made from a mixture of sand, lime and other fibers like straw.
Bitumen - is a mixture of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky, entirely soluble in carbon disulphide, and composed primarily of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Used for waterproofing.
Grey water - is waste water generated by household processes such as washing dishes, laundry and bathing. Grey water is distinct from waste water that has been contaminated with sewage, which is known as black water.
Passive solar heating - A system of features incorporated into a building's design to use and maximize the effects of the sun's natural heating capability.
Example: Passive solar heating systems use some type of collection and storage element, such as a water-filled partition, which is exposed to the sun during the day and radiates heat to the structure at night. Other features, such as south-facing windows, site Orientation roof overhangs, are included to enhance the effects of the sun's heat.
Bibliography:
All information was found under the following references below.
-Wikipedia
-www.cobhouse.co.za
-Thinking architecturally (by Paul Righini) pg no. 32, 34, 123, 168, 237, 178, 180, 183.
More influences on design can be that of the size of families, the way the shelters / buildings shall be used, who will use or share which spaces and how food is prepared and eaten. All of the above will determine the size and layout of certain dwellings.
Examples are that of the East African tribes, where separated single roomed dwellings are built to house different members of the family. Dwellings may be for the wives or even the sons who are now of age and can no longer share with the women of the family. Although in Western Europe one unit is built, and the family is then separated by dividing the building into rooms. Culture can also have a great influence on vernacular architecture and the way it looks, as different cultures will decorate buildings with accordance to local customs and beliefs.
Climate also plays a role in vernacular architecture, obviously depending on the on the area in which the building is situated. For instance, buildings in a cooler climate range will have a high thermal mass or insulated significantly. There will be very few openings to prevent heat loss but in the case of an opening being present, it will most likely be smaller than average.
So understandably, in warmer climates the situation will be quite the opposite. Buildings would be built in much lighter materials than that of the cooler climates, more openings will be incorporated for the necessary cross-ventilation and fabric may also be used rather that solid non-porous materials.
In some case’s climates may vary from season to season causing fluctuating temperatures, buildings may then be altered by the occupants to cope with the relevant climate.
Precipitation can also form the way vernacular buildings look. When in area’s with heavy rainfall, dwellings may be supported upon stilts to keep away from ground level and flooding. Flat roofs will also occur less often if at all in areas of precipitation to prevent the build up of water on surface and leaks.
Similarly, areas where wind occurs, buildings would be positioned in a way to prevent large surfaces to be in contact.
Vernacular architecture in the Mediterranean and that of the Middle East, often include courtyards with a fountain or pond on their dwelling. By doing this the air is then cooled by the water mist and evaporation and drawn through the home through natural ventilation incorporated in the building form. Whereas in Northern Africa vernacular building usually have a high thermal mass with small openings to prevent the heat from entering the home, thus keeping all cool air inside.
All of the above does not necessarily come from design, but rather through trial and error over the generations of building, which often existed before science was brought in to develop new building theories.
The environment can of course govern the style of vernacular architecture. Areas rich in trees would develop wooden structures where as areas lacking trees would resort to stone and mud. Vernacular can therefore be labelled as sustainable, and will not exhaust the local resources. If it were not sustainable, it is not vernacular!
Vernacular architecture can prove itself to be a difficult practise as it can often conflict with zoning and building regulations according to the specific local authorities. For example, in Russia a man (Nikolay P. Sutyagin) has built a house completely made from wood towering 144ft (13 stories) simply because he was not happy with the result of his two stories home. Courts have ordered this building to be demolished as they consider it a fire hazard. On December 26th 2008, the building was knocked down and dismantled. To this day I find the world’s tallest (now non-existent) wooden building amazing, what a pity.
The Cob House
Muizenberg:
The Cob house (Samhitakasha) a B&B is built from mud and straw. A typical vernacular example namely “Cob”, originating and perfected in parts of West Britain. It was built on a brown field site, were the previous house was demolished in the 1970s.
This building was seen as the very first “visible” organic structure built in a city suburb in the country, (others were only found out of town and in small holdings), and had become very popular during the construction stages by the public including school children, where they were invited to open days to learn more about cob building. After completion this site is still very popular and open to the public.
Mud buildings are found amongst African villages where building them has been a tradition for many generations and still is today. Which seems to be the “green” way to go, not only is the use of natural resources a complement to nature but also it is a recyclable item! The cost is beneficial the only cost is to dig soil from the ground, rather than to use expensive materials such as bricks, cement and concrete which are NOT recyclable and not always the friendliest of materials to use.
When building with mud, edges/corners anything for that matter can be smoothened out or chipped off to perfect the outcome of the style. Cut offs can also be reused after being moistened and mixed with straw, for strengthening.
The mud walls incorporated in this style of building allows for moist to move in and out of them thus not getting trapped as it would with normal brick and concrete and creating dampness, because of this it is naturally it keeps the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the outside temperatures. Walls are then plastered with natural lime rather than cement, which also create a waterproofing system on the exterior walls. Sealants and paints have been used in the interior walls and floor to keep it environmentally friendly, and natural slate tiles have been used where tiling is needed.The foundations of the Cob house were mainly made using compact gravel (natural stone) and most of the structural supports were from wooden beams (alien gum tree’s that were being cleaned of the existing property were used for the upright poles supporting the first floor and other structural beams from local pine). Window and door frames have also been handcrafted from wood.
The roof of the dwelling was constructed from insulating combinations of wood, recycled cardboard, clay and straw with a top layer of torch-on bitumen layer as a waterproof element.
For energy saving, a solar geyser and grey water system/rain water collection points have been installed. Renewable power such as: wind pumps and solar panels have also been fitted onto the structure.
Also because of the amount of windows that have been incorporated, it helps with the passive solar heating. This also helps with the natural lighting inside the building, without it being too overwhelming.
So on a whole, throughout my research I have come to the knowledge that vernacular architecture is quite a big thing that is maybe not as noticed as we would like it to be. Although by those that are aware, it is being seen that we should incorporate it more often into the way we build. Is that not what beauty of architecture is about? Using resources that are locally available to suit the aesthetics of our structures....
What is the meaning of this???
Below you will find a selection of words I have come across throughout my research, and their meanings.
Vernacular - is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs and circumstances. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it exists. It has often been dismissed as crude and unrefined, but also has proponents who highlight its importance in current design.
Cob - is a building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water and earth, similar to adobe. Cob is fireproof, resistant to seismic activity, and inexpensive. It can be used to create artistic sculptural forms and has been revived in the recent years by the natural building and sustainability movements.
Adobe - A type of clay.
Brown-Field Site - A piece of industrial or commercial property that is abandoned or underused and often environmentally contaminated, especially one considered as a potential site for redevelopment.
Green-field site - an area not previously used for built development.
Natural lime - Natural lime plaster is made from a mixture of sand, lime and other fibers like straw.
Bitumen - is a mixture of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky, entirely soluble in carbon disulphide, and composed primarily of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Used for waterproofing.
Grey water - is waste water generated by household processes such as washing dishes, laundry and bathing. Grey water is distinct from waste water that has been contaminated with sewage, which is known as black water.
Passive solar heating - A system of features incorporated into a building's design to use and maximize the effects of the sun's natural heating capability.
Example: Passive solar heating systems use some type of collection and storage element, such as a water-filled partition, which is exposed to the sun during the day and radiates heat to the structure at night. Other features, such as south-facing windows, site Orientation roof overhangs, are included to enhance the effects of the sun's heat.
Bibliography:
All information was found under the following references below.
-Wikipedia
-www.cobhouse.co.za
-Thinking architecturally (by Paul Righini) pg no. 32, 34, 123, 168, 237, 178, 180, 183.
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