Traditional Building Practices Research Articles

Numerical assessment of thermal bridging effects in 3D-printed foam concrete walls

Abstract Integrating smart technology and advanced materials in the construction industry has revolutionized traditional building practices, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance. Researchers and professionals in the construction sector have shown significant interest in three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) for automating structural engineering tasks. Despite its potential as a sustainable solution to modern construction issues, there is a lack of research on the thermal insulation performance of three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) building envelopes, and the potential for integrating foam concrete (FC) to enhance energy efficiency has not yet been studied. This paper presents a numerical analysis examining how different infill geometries affect the thermal performance of 3D-printed foam concrete (3DPFC) lattice envelopes. Six lattice structures were designed with identical thickness, height, length, and comparable insulation areas. The effects of the contact (intersection) area of webs with the interior face shell, webs, and infill rows on the thermal performance of granularly insulated envelopes were studied. The effectiveness of insulation was also established. The findings indicate that the thermal transmittance of 3DPC envelopes correlates directly with the contact area of the webs and the interior surface, with U-values ranging from 0.151 W m2·K to 0.652 W/m2·K. Notably, the absence of direct connections between exterior and interior surfaces enhances insulation efficiency, with double-row structures achieving up to 94% insulation efficiency. However, when there is a direct connection between the two surfaces, the thermal performance of these envelopes is mainly affected by the contact (intersection) area of the webs with the interior face rather than the number of webs. By integrating foam concrete and double-row walls, this study demonstrates an innovative approach to reducing thermal bridging and improving energy performance in 3D-printed construction. The results offer novel insight into optimizing the thermal behavior of 3DPC systems for sustainable building practices.

Durability of Japanese-earth cob walls subjected to accelerated rain simulation

Earthen materials are increasingly being recognized in architecture for their low embodied energy, recyclability, and hygrothermal properties. However, the common use of manufactured stabilizers, while enhancing weathering resistance, compromises these merits. Japan, known for its typhoons, has used unstabilized earth in construction for centuries, suggesting the viability of this construction material. While architecture around the world attests to its resilience, in-depth research into unstabilized earthen material is limited. This study examines unstabilized earth durability through 90-min accelerated rain simulation tests, totaling over 6500 mm of “rain” exposure on each of twelve test surfaces (eight representing rural Japanese cob-ball construction and four, monolithic cob walls). Surface changes were monitored by 3D scans performed at seven intervals. The test walls were built using two common materials in Japanese earthen wall craft, sourced from the areas of Kashiba and Fukakusa. It was clear from 3D-scan analysis that the base-layer material, Kashiba, is remarkably resistant to weathering. The four monolithic Kashiba test surfaces, constructed on four different foundation types, respectively eroded just 1 mm, 2.6 mm, 3.8 mm, and 3.9 mm. These results corroborate traditional building practices. Thus, our study also underscores the value of incorporating knowledge from vernacular earthen architecture professionals in expediting academic research. Additionally, our results suggest the potential of hose-showerhead tool use for research, and for on-site testing of earthen material erosion levels for material adequacy.

A Brief Guide to the 50 Eco-Friendly Materials Transforming Sustainable Construction

The adoption of eco-friendly construction materials represents a revolutionary shift in the physical infrastructure, challenging traditional building practices. This transformation reduces environmental impacts and sets a precedence for sustainable, resilient, and responsible construction practices, marking a crucial milestone in the evolution of the physical infrastructure. This study offers a brief examination of eco-friendly materials for sustainable construction practices. Addressing the growing urgency for environmentally conscious building practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the construction material manufacturing industry. This study examines 50 eco-friendly materials, providing an understanding of their attributes, applications, and ecological benefits. Emphasizing the transformative potential of these materials, this article serves as a practical brief guide for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, facilitating informed decision-making without compromising construction performance. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and structural efficiency, this article contributes to a paradigm shift towards a greener and more sustainable future in the construction industry.

Traditional and Vernacular Architecture in Bali

The study of Bali's traditional and vernacular architecture requires a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to reveal the complex expressions of this culturally diverse island. Influenced by Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous beliefs, Bali's architecture is closely interwoven with its lush landscape, characterised by terraced rice fields, volcanic mountains and a tropical climate. The theoretical foundations are based on vernacular architecture and emphasise the importance of indigenous knowledge, local materials and cultural, social and environmental factors. The study focuses on the classification and functions of more than 20,000 Hindu temples or "pura", which reflect the island's deep cultural roots and rituals based on the Balinese calendar. An examination of small villages such as Pengotan reveals a nuanced architecture with sacred and profane zones clustered around temple areas, residential areas and cemeteries. The concentration of family units in sacred spaces and the meticulous adherence to the luan concept reveal the intricacies of traditional Balinese architecture. However, the preservation of this architectural heritage is being challenged by rapid modernisation and a booming tourism industry. The influx of tourists, which has increased from 2.5 million in 2010 to 14 million in 2017, poses a threat to Bali's traditional building practices and materials. The environmental impact of increasing waste and inadequate infrastructure, exacerbated by the growing number of foreign visitors, requires sustainable planning. The government's ambitious goal of creating '10 new Balis' to double the number of tourists raises concerns about environmental protection and proper waste management. The methodological approach of this study is deeply rooted in vernacular architecture and aims to decipher the nuances and preserve Bali's architectural heritage. Balancing the demands of modernisation and tourism with the need for environmental sustainability is critical to the protection of the heritage.
 
 Index Terms— Vernacular Architecture, Bali, Tourism, Traditions

Looking back thinking ahead towards the vernacular architecture of Gurage, Ethiopia

In accordance with the culture and environment, vernacular architecture has provided suitable solutions. People are looking for more environmentally friendly structures in today's globalized world. To comprehend the sustainable qualities of indigenous housing tradition, thus it is important to look back in time. This article has used the idea of sustainable development to evaluate the worth of Gurage, an Ethiopian traditional architecture. The indigenous architecture of the Gurage communities is constructed in line with the community's history, culture, and surroundings. In light of this, the research investigates traditional houses and the socio-cultural practices of the locals that promote resilience. In order to find a scientific basis and encourage its implementation in the future, this paper analyzes the architectural expression in Gurage, holistically in light of the knowledge and experience of the local populace. Using a phenomenological research design and a qualitative research approach that involves observation, key informant interviews (20), and focused group discussions (3) with carefully chosen participants, an explanation for the vernacular architecture of the study areas was established. The outcome of the paper reveals how much the rich vernacular traditions of the study site are still relevant today in creating an environmentally and culturally sustainable settlement. It implies that the traditional building practices and cultural heritage of the Gurage people can contribute to the development of a sustainable settlement that is both environmentally friendly and culturally appropriate. By expressing concern about these issues, it highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Sustainability of traditional building practices in Nigeria: The case of Igala traditional architecture

Nigeria's diverse ethnic landscape is marked by distinct traditional building practices, each representing a unique cultural identity. This study delves into the architectural heritage of the Igala people of North Central Nigeria, shedding light on their sustainable building practice. Despite its profound cultural and historical significance, the Igala traditional architecture, like many others in Nigeria, faces challenges due to modernization. This trend is pervasive across Nigeria, where contemporary buildings often disregard indigenous socio-cultural, environmental, and climatic considerations in their design and construction. Consequently, modern buildings in Nigeria tend to be costly and incompatible with the local culture, environment and climate. This study explores the imperatives and values of Igala traditional housing pattern, aiming to enhance the sustainability of contemporary building practices in Nigeria. Employing a narrative approach, the study utilized archival/historical research, field surveys, and interviews with local building professionals, indigenous elders, and environmental experts to explore the Igala traditional building practice. Thematic content and descriptive analysis were used to interpret the gathered data. The study revealed intrinsic features of Igala traditional housing pattern, including the courtyard system, hierarchical spatial arrangement, organic expansion, food storage facilities and the integration of socio-economic and socio-cultural spaces. These features exemplify sustainability through values such as security, privacy, communal living, cultural identity, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, passive solar techniques and environmental conservation. The research emphasized the critical importance of these identified features and values, not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for guiding sustainable contemporary architectural practices in Nigeria.

Sustainable production of buildings based on Iranian vernacular patterns: A water footprint analysis

Vernacular (indigenous) buildings have been proven to be adaptive to climatic conditions. However, their water footprint benefits have not been discussed in the literature. This research aims to provide an in-depth evaluation of the influence of vernacular structures (including adobe, brick, stone, and wood) compared to modern structures (steel and concrete) on the water footprint of a selection of 42 residential buildings. The paper proposes that when building construction follows vernacular patterns, the contribution of the building industry to water pollution and water resources can be substantially reduced. Grey and blue water footprints are computed throughout production chains by employing water footprint accounting and life cycle inventory techniques. The grey water footprints of vernacular buildings are 327 times smaller than the grey water footprints of modern buildings. For modern buildings, the grey water footprint is dominated by the grey water footprint of steel and cement production. The blue water footprint of vernacular buildings is mostly related to construction personnel. While traditional building practices represent an important part of cultural heritage and have the potential to provide insights into sustainable and resource-efficient building practices, there are concerns regarding their compliance with present-day construction codes and standards. Therefore, this study evaluates the water footprint of both vernacular and contemporary building practices, taking into account their potential for sustainable building practices.

Classification of Igbo Traditional Building Finishes using Architectural Standard for Preservation of the Material Culture of a People

The Igbo people in Nigeria have a rich cultural heritage, including their unique building techniques and finishes. Traditional building finishes, such as mud plastering, natural dyeing, and intricate wood carvings, were once highly valued due to their availability, affordability, and cultural significance. However, with globalization and increased access to imported construction materials, there has been a shift away from traditional finishes towards imported alternatives. Imported building finishes such as ceramic tiles, synthetic paints, and industrial coatings have become popular due to their perceived durability, convenience, and association with affluence. However, the lack of formal recognition and support for Igbo traditional building practices has led to a loss of knowledge and skills among the younger generation of builders. This loss of cultural heritage has implications for the overall vitality and resilience of Igbo communities. This study identified and classified Igbo traditional building finishes using architectural standards to preserve the material culture of a people and to serve as an architectural repository.

“That Is Still our Tradition but in a Modern Form, but it Still Tells our Story”: Transitions in Buildings in Northern Ghana

ABSTRACT Traditional building practices, which are typically regarded as repositories of heritage and material culture, are undergoing significant transitions in northern Ghana. This transition is evident in the use of building materials other than locally accessible traditional materials. These transitions are driving creativity and innovation as households strive for continuity of tradition, while at the same time ensuring the sustainability of their buildings. This article analyses the architectural traditions and building practices in northern Ghana using the building work and commentaries of the people of Gbabshe in peri-urban Tamale as a case study. The results show that building practices are transitioning because of environmental changes, migration, wealth accumulation and access to modern building materials and technology. As the peri-urban community becomes urbanised, the people encounter “modern” building styles which are appropriated into their traditional architecture, resulting in a hybridisation of architecture. The innovative tendencies and philosophical continuities of these builders, and the desire to achieve sustainable buildings and the hybridisation of architecture, has implications for the future of earth buildings’ relevance, resilience, sustainability, and sociocultural significance in people’s everyday lives.

Traditional Amis Architecture and Its Environment in a Contemporary Context

This essay discusses issues the author encountered while constructing a house in 2020 using traditional methods of the Amis, one of the officially recognised Indigenous groups in Taiwan. The author dealt with many obstacles including legal, environmental, and resource issues. These problems point to the historically disadvantaged status of Indigenous Taiwanese people in terms of land rights. With the help of others in his village, the author completed the construction of the house, an achievement that highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous Taiwanese people wishing to implement traditional building practices and lifestyle in the contemporary context.

Seismic features and vulnerability of traditional building practices in the Himalayan State, Himachal Pradesh, India

In the present study, widespread field surveys are conducted to identify the traditional building practices prevalent in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The conducted field surveys led to the identification of the Kath-kunni, Thathara, Drystone, and Rammed earthen buildings in the study region. These building practices are studied, classified, and sketched for their siting, architectural and structural features, soil conditions and foundations. The qualitative seismic vulnerability assessment is conducted to highlight earthquake-resilient and vulnerable features of the studied traditional buildings.

The production of protective earth-based mortars for earth constructions in southeastern Brazil during the 19th century coffee economy

ABSTRACT The study of materials used in ancient buildings provides a means to shed light on traditional building practices of past societies, but can serve as inspiration to tackle challenges faced by the current generation. Characterising earth-based structures and finishing elements is part of this mission, especially at a time when earthen architecture is the subject of renewed interest due to its many advantages, particularly in terms of sustainability. This paper considers a set of historical earthen houses built during the first phase of the coffee economy (1820-1880) in the middle Paraíba do Sul River valley, in southeastern Brazil. Physical (colour and texture) and chemical (FTIR, TGA, XRF, and XRD) analyses performed on a large set of mortar and local soil samples collected in the region formed the basis for discussing possible soil selection criteria as raw materials, texture solutions, and the stabilisation strategy of the final product. This last aspect implied the addition of small quantities of lime, in the case of external renders and more sporadically in plasters, without the use of fibres or organic additives. Chemical data and historical sources suggest that the raw materials used for this purpose were probably brought to the region from coastal areas.

Reviving Cultural Tourism in Kendran Bali Indonesia: Maintaining Traditional Architecture and Developing Community-based Tourism

As a tourist destination, traditional villages and houses are not only places for socio-cultural and domestic practices but also facilities for tourists. This phenomenon is a paradox in the development of a cultural tourism area. Tourists expect a natural and authentic culture. On the other hand, the community hopes to participate actively in tourism activities and utilize their houses and village as economic resources. The participation of local people plays a vital role so that the success of developing a tourism destination depends on the level of the local communities' supports. However, people's participation in the tourism business has triggered local culture transformation since they have utilized their traditions, including their vernacular house and village, as tourist resources. To investigate this phenomenon, architectural examination and interviews are used as a method of investigation. This paper found that to sustain the tourism destination, it is significant to pay attention to its planning and traditional house transformation. In the transformation process, local communities must be encouraged to identify their own goals so that the development of tourism in the village can address tourist needs without polluting the traditional values. This participation model discusses the relationship between local traditions and practices, including traditional building practices and tourism. This model can be implemented in other tourism villages.

Influence of Traditional Building Practices in Seismic Vulnerability of Bhutanese Vernacular Rammed Earth Architecture

ABSTRACT Rammed earth architecture is still widespread and alive in Bhutan, especially in rural villages, where dwellings are built by the local community. The country recently suffered two intense earthquakes that put traditional architecture at risk. Rammed earth building techniques show high seismic vulnerability by nature, whose degree strongly depends on good building practices. Within the framework of SATREPS, a research project led by Nagoya University in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Politecnico di Torino, this article aims to investigate the role of local building practice in fostering the most frequently occurring seismic failure mechanisms in unreinforced masonry such as rammed earth. Those mechanisms have been cross-checked with damage-assessment-related studies carried out by the Bhutanese government. Traditional building practices, potential weaknesses, and the influence on seismic failure mechanisms have been analyzed through definite parameters. Outcomes have been verified through a full-scale static test conducted on a rammed earth mock-up building.

Деревянная церковная архитектура Русского Севера конца XVIII века

The article presents the panorama of the wooden church architecture of the Russian North in thereign of Paul I. Basing on the numerous examples the research proves that at the end of the 18th century there were no preconditions for crisis phenomena in this most traditional sphere of architectural construction. On the verge of the 18th‑19th centuries, the Russian wooden architecture retained its adherence to the previous tradition. Throughout the short reign of Paul I, the sources documented a significant amount of the constructionwork of different nature. During the four summer construction seasons of 1797–1800 dozens of newchurches and bell towers were built, repairs and renovations of old structures were made, and some of them were relocated. The research indicates that the former traditional building practices of wooden constructionin the North were still preserved during the reign of Paul I. However, the decree of Paul I of December 25,1800, prohibiting the construction of wooden churches throughout Russia, became a serious interference in the natural historical course of the progress of wooden architecture. The study with the help of archival sources reveals in detail the circumstances of the declaration of this important document, which ultimately had a decisive impact on the development of wooden church architecture in the 19th century.

The continued adoption of housing systems in the Netherlands: A multiple case study

Extensive governmental and industry efforts have been devoted to developing innovative housebuilding systems. However, it appears a challenge for housebuilding firms to move beyond their demonstration status and get their housing system adopted at a large scale and over a longer period. This is problematic since worsening developments concerning the environmental impact, poor production efficiency and a lack of client orientation of traditional building practices remains unsolved. This article describes a multiple case study on the continued adoption of innovative industrial housing systems. The multiple case study centers around a housing system which is generally considered as a rare example of an industrial housing system that has succeeded in the last 30 years in maintaining a leading position in the Dutch housing sector. This article analyses the reasons for this continued adoption in contrast to three industrial housing systems which had to abandon the market. The case study findings show that at least five mechanisms play a determining role in the eventual continued adoption: the regional presence of the builder; the builders’ operational excellence; a natural fit with existing technology standards; a competitive added value, and; the ability of the house-builder to keep pace with changing market requirements. An important lesson from this study is that, for continued adoption, one needs to stay alert and adapt the housing system to changing market requirements.

Review: Architecture as Profession: The Origins of Architectural Practice in the Low Countries in the Fifteenth Century, by Merlijn Hurx

Merlijn Hurx Architecture as Profession: The Origins of Architectural Practice in the Low Countries in the Fifteenth Century Turnhout, Belgium: Brepols, 2018, 459 pp., 16 color and 265 b/w illus. €119 (paper), ISBN 9782503568256 The three words of this significant book's main title might well stand between quotation marks, for the inclusion of “practice” in the subtitle indicates its real subject. This is a complex story of how architectural design as practice—still far from the modern use of the term profession —parted ways with the provision of materials and the supervision of building projects on-site. Merlijn Hurx's focus on the Low Countries immediately challenges conventional narratives that privilege Italy while also shifting the usual chronology back to the mid-fourteenth century. Like many recent historians of this period, Hurx decentralizes issues of style (although key aspects of challenging alternative styles have their place here), suggesting that factors such as economics, provision of materials, and networks of patronage offer more useful guides to a changing landscape of ambitious building projects. Dominant figures, whom we might well call “architects,” are present in these pages, but they emerge as having been trained and skilled in ways that contrast with modern perceptions of the architect's role in society. Hurx lays the case for an Italo-centered view at the door of Richard Goldthwaite, even as he praises Goldthwaite's groundbreaking analysis. He challenges Goldthwaite's claims that only in Italy were architects afforded the privilege of focusing their attention on design—leaving others to handle construction management—and that traditional building practices outside Italy supplied materials to one commission at a time. The evidence for northern Europe proves otherwise; the booming construction activity, both public and private, in the towns and cities of the Low Countries led to the formation of new supply patterns, making the transportation of materials across long distances profitable. If the argument for Italian exceptionalism emerged from Goldthwaite's The Building of Renaissance Florence (1980), his subsequent book, Wealth and the …

Individual Practice and Cultural Context in the Transformation of Batak Toba House

Batak Toba people today are facing the dilemma of maintaining their tradition and keeping up to the modern way of living. This has resulted in cultural transformation of traditional houses, where modern utensils and new spaces are added with no reference to the original one. The traditional settlement of Huta Siallagan in Samosir Island North Sumatra begin to aspire urban standards of living, and traditional building practices are dying out because domestic life systems are changing. Traditional houses are undergoing transformation as they are more and more influenced by the modernizing effect of capital economy.

Learning from Casbah of Algiers for more Sustainable Environment

Algeria as one of the Islamic biggest countries in Africa has three different climate zones: Mediterranean, semi-arid and arid; in three different regions: Northern, Central and Southern. Each region developed its typical vernacular tradition; one that responded to climate, topography and life style. Following modernization, westernization of the country since hundreds of years, traditional building practices started to be abandoned; leading to a radical transformation of the built environment. The current situation of the built environment depends only on reinforced concrete construction that does not respond to country’s regional variety and as it disregards nature, climate and lifestyle of many. This paper explores the vernacular building types from one geographical region of the country; Casbah (Mediterranean region of Algeria), to understand its architectural design methods; its climate and site responses; its fit with the people’s lifestyle. The aim is to be able to evaluate the degree of sustainable practices achieved in that kind of traditional housing building. This will be concluded first by knowing the architectural design principles which should be in a building to call it sustainable. Analyzing the different sustainable housing features of Casbah’s house have been explored. This study helps us to understand more about the Architectural heritage of Algeria, and gives us a clear knowledge on traditional houses design principles in the Mediterranean region according to the climate, lifestyle, and local available materials, and how those architectural methods belong and valuable to sustainable issues. This might be useful for designers and architects to use those sustainable strategies in their future building projects, and change the design approach to a better one which is more sustainable, as well as restoring the heritage of the country which should not have to be forgotten, in order to be known for future generations.

THE RECONCILIATION OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT: The Success of Criteria in Guiding the Design and Assessment of Contemporary Interventions in Historic Places

Since built heritage continues to teach contemporary societies valuable lessons about traditional building practices among other substantial matters, its protection from environmentally insensitive development is important. The reconciliation of heritage conservation and development, therefore, is an appropriate research topic. This article aims at contributing to the global discourse on that topic, which is primarily supported by UNESCO and ICOMOS. It does so by evaluating the success of criteria in guiding the design and assessment of contemporary interventions in historic places. The purpose is to determine whether criteria, which usually come in the form of standards and/or design guidelines, hold the key to thoughtful change in historic places. To achieve this purpose, the present author first gives an overview of the current state of knowledge on the topic, then analyzes major scholarly literature to identify the strengths and weaknesses of criteria and finally suggests other avenues worth exploring. As a result of this qualitative research, readers would gain a better understanding of the background, questioning and principles that should frame new architecture in existing urban fabric.