Vernacular Architecture Research Articles

Vernacular Architecture in the Sotavento Region of the Algarve

The circumstance of a recent commission for work on a tourist/residential development in the area of Castro Marim in Portugal’s Algarve province led me to discover the singularity of the region known as “Sotavento”. This is the southernmost part of Portugal, with the Atlantic to the south, the Baixo Algarve to the west, and with the Algarve Calcário (also known as “Barrocal”) extending north of the Ria Formosa lagoon, sheltered by its islands, and stretching down to the town of Tavira, north to the Serra do Caldeirão, in its eastern range forming a boundary with the inner Baixo Alentejo, and east to the river Guadiana. This article arises from a study I made of the region. The regional singularities we find here are, as elsewhere, various manifestations of the way humans inhabit the landscape and build dwellings and shelters for animals as well as accommodating the activities (chiefly farming and fishing) plied here over the centuries.

Freehand Drawing in Representing the Vernacular Architecture of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

The Sveti Stefan luxury hotel complex in Montenegro attracts guests for its historic and cultural qualities. Endangered as vernacular heritage due to its inaccessibility to the general public, the interior of Sveti Stefan is slipping into oblivion as a result of the lack of control by the Montenegrin authorities over cultural heritage. The collection of drawings presented in this paper evokes the relationship between the island’s vernacular architecture and its natural environment. The use of freehand drawing rather than digital imagery can reflect the spontaneously created quality of non-pedigreed architecture, conjuring up its ambiance. By highlighting the beauty of Sveti Stefan through pencil drawings we aim to influence the preservation of its vernacular character.

New Vernacular Architecture: Experimental Construction Site in Bärnau, Bavaria

This experimental construction site in Bärnau, a small town on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany, explores innovative approaches to vernacular architecture through a prism of sustainability, craftsmanship, and regionalism. The project addresses three key questions. First, how can we learn from historical building methods and materials to build more sustainably while maintaining social and regional relevance? Second, how to revitalize traditional craftsmanship, focusing on making local materials and techniques more attractive to ensure the preservation of valuable knowledge? Lastly, what potential is there for creating buildings with minimal environmental impact using only regional materials, thereby supporting local economies and ecological integrity?

A Theoretical Design Framework of Contemporary Vernacular Architecture Based on a Scoping Review of the Best Practices Worldwide

This paper reviews the development of vernacular architecture design and practices worldwide and then focuses on Chinese rural development. It explores the evolution of vernacular architecture and related concepts from a longitudinal perspective, and indicates the dynamic adaptability of vernacular architecture. A scoping review based on archival materials and secondary source literature of the last 10 years is conducted. As a result, 41 design factors have been collected. With a cross-comparative study with related publications, five intangible design factors and ten key tangible design factors are discussed to build a theoretical design framework, which finally provides a foundation for related design practices and further research.

Pre-Planning and Post-Evaluation Approaches to Sustainable Vernacular Architectural Practice: A Research-by-Design Study to Building Renovation in Shangri-La’s Shanpian House, China

The renovation and revitalization of vernacular architecture are pivotal in sustainable rural development. In regions like Shangri-La, traditional structures not only safeguard cultural heritage but also provide a foundation for enhancing local communities’ living conditions. However, these villages face growing challenges, including infrastructure decay, cultural erosion, and inadequate adaptation to modern living standards. Addressing these issues requires innovative research approaches that combine heritage preservation with the integration of contemporary functionality. This study employs a research-by-design approach, focusing on the Shanpian House as a case study, to explore how pre-planning and post-evaluation methods can revitalize traditional vernacular architecture. The pre-planning phase utilizes field surveys and archival research to assess spatial, cultural, and environmental conditions, framing a design strategy informed by field theory. In doing so, it evaluates how traditional architectural elements can be preserved while introducing modern construction techniques that meet current living standards. The post-evaluation phase, conducted through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, assesses user satisfaction, focusing on the impact of architectural esthetics, structural stability, and material choices. Key findings from an OLS regression highlight the strong positive correlation between architectural style, structural choices, and cultural relevance with resident satisfaction. The research emphasizes that design elements such as structural details, materials, and infrastructure upgrades are critical in shaping perceptions of both functionality and cultural identity. Interestingly, the model reveals that improving architectural esthetics, alongside modern indoor features such as network connectivity, has a significant impact on enhancing overall resident satisfaction (significance level: 0.181). This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable building renovation by demonstrating how traditional architecture can be thoughtfully adapted for contemporary use and also proposes a paradigm shift in the renovation of historic buildings, advocating for a balance between preservation and modernization. The application of sustainable materials, digital modeling, and innovative construction techniques further ensures that these traditional structures meet the demands of modern civilization while maintaining their cultural integrity.

Using Semi-supervised Machine Learning to Assist Classification and Recognition of Chinese Vernacular Architecture

In order to construct a more refined, comprehensive and systematized classification system for Chinese vernacular architecture, this paper proposed a classifying method based on semi-supervised machine learning using architecture image data. By adding type labels based on experts' prior knowledge as a guide to part of the training samples, it allows generalized machine clustering to effectively combine image feature mining with characteristics of special objects. Taking the scheme of machine clustering as a reference, a classification system for Chinese vernacular architecture with 9 major categories and 23 subcategories was established, which boasts extensive coverage of vernacular architectural types and has strong distinguishability. This method integrates the advantages of expert knowledge and computer algorithm, and can be utilized as a reference for studies where unsupervised or fully supervised machine learning is challenging to apply. In addition, the YOLOv8 object detection algorithm of deep learning is also applied to construct a corresponding recognition model for these architectural categories, which performs well in terms of recognition accuracy and robustness. This tool holds significant potential for application in heritage protection and urban and rural planning.

Revaluation of Vernacular Architecture in a Hot Humid Climate in Villa Rica - Peru: A Study of Thermal Comfort Compared to Confined Masonry

Revaluation of Vernacular Architecture in a Hot Humid Climate in Villa Rica - Peru: A Study of Thermal Comfort Compared to Confined Masonry

Strategies for the Regeneration of Rural Settlements Facing Depopulation: Analysis Methodology and Case Studies

Based on the analysis of bibliographical sources, official governance documents, expert interviews and fieldwork on the phenomenon of depopulation in the United Kingdom, this text identifies the different geographical, historical, economic and political factors influencing different fields, including territory, agriculture, urbanism, rural settlements, traditional architecture, population and society. The set of factors and fields of action was recorded in a multifactor matrix that enabled the analysis of cases applied in the United Kingdom to identify strategies and actions aimed at guaranteeing the conservation of vernacular settlements and architecture. The study was subsequently expanded with detailed research in four areas: the regions of the Cotswolds (Oxfordshire) and Cornwall in England, Mid West Wales and the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The aim of this study, applied to the case of the United Kingdom, is to extract guidelines, strategies and actions that can be applied to other contexts where tangible and intangible vernacular heritage is to be safeguarded.

Telaah Hubungan Tongkonan dan Lanskap Budaya Toraja: Analisis Sistem Aktivitas dan Ekspresi Sistem Setting

Tongkonan, as vernacular architecture, cannot be dissociated from its cultural landscape. Tongkonan and its cultural landscape form a holistic entity that constitutes Toraja culture as a whole. However, most current research focuses solely on Tongkonan’s architectural and structural aspects. There are still few studies that explore Tongkonan’s vernacular architecture in connection with its cultural landscape, including its relationship to the culture of its people and its geographical context. This research is a desk study with the aim of formulating aspects related to further examining the relationship between Tongkonan as vernacular architecture and its cultural landscape based on theory of systems of activity and systems of setting. In addition, this paper contributes to fulfilling the 11th SDGs, covering four pillars -social, economic, ecology, and cultural. The method used is qualitative-descriptive with content analysis to analyze data obtained from the literature study. The analysis is supported by empirical studies in Kete' Kesu village in North Toraja Regency. The chosen location is an ancient village with a fairly complete cultural landscape and good accessibility. The findings show that the systems of activity for Toraja people in Tongkonan and its cultural landscape include domestic, religius, ecology and socio-economic activities. The systems of setting for Tongkonan and its cultural landscape encompass Tongkonan itself, alang, grazing area, puya, rante, saroan, paddy field, forest/kombong, farm, lantang, middle yard, Tongkonan surrounding, penanian, territory/liliq, area diamben, area ma'dika, area renge direnge, bridge, villages, settlement, pasar, graveyard, parampa.

Reviving the Practices of Transhumance in a Forgotten Settlement in Mainland Greece

The aim of this research project is the investigation of the forgotten landscape of transhumance in mainland Greece, focusing on areas that have been abandoned by modern society and their historical significance. The goal is to make these lands functional again by preserving their cultural heritage and developing a sustainable community that meets the needs of people, livestock, and the environment. The investigation employs a dual approach: examining transhumance as a cultural and natural practice while analyzing vernacular architecture to preserve collective memory. This involves extensive historical research and a simultaneous analysis of spatial, social, symbolic, and architectural elements. This study identifies points of convergence between cultural practices and architectural heritage, applying these insights to contemporary redevelopment scenarios. Findings reveal a significant interplay between transhumance practices and the region’s anonymous architecture. Key characteristics of the landscape and its spatial identity are documented, providing insights into effective preservation and redevelopment strategies. Specific case studies validate these strategies, demonstrating their relevance to current and future efforts. This study concludes that understanding the historical context and spatial identity of transhumance landscapes is crucial for sustainable redevelopment. By preserving cultural practices and architectural heritage, this project provides a framework for revitalizing these landscapes, ensuring a balanced coexistence of people, livestock, and the environment.

The Cultural Significance of Malay Woodcarving Motifs: A Case Study of Rumah Warisan Hajah Kundur

This study examined the Malay woodcarving motifs displayed at Rumah Warisan Hajah Kundur, a distinguished Malay heritage house currently located in Politeknik Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The study utilised qualitative research methods such as site observations, photographic recording, and analysis of secondary data to document and assess the wood carving motifs found on the wooden structure. The house had been moved and restored in order to preserve its cultural significance. The investigation uncovered that the woodcarvings of Rumah Warisan Hajah Kundur prominently featured floral motifs, with geometric and combination designs also being prominent. This study not only recorded the visual qualities of the carvings but also analysed their symbolic meaning, revealing the interdependent relationship between artistic representation and cultural heritage in the practice of Malay woodcarving. Concentrating on this singular, historically significant residence of Rumah Warisan Hajah Kundur, the study underscored the significance of Malay woodcarving in vernacular architecture in Negeri Sembilan. It emphasised the imperative for continuous documentation and conservation of the intangible cultural heritage represented by Malay woodcarving motifs and Malay traditional houses.

Experiencia didáctica para el estudio y valoración de la Arquitectura Vernácula guatemalteca

The didactic experience for the study and valoration of Guatemalan Vernacular Architecture consists of a series of academic activities in progressive phases, which introduce this type of architectura in danger of extinction to 4th grade students of architecture at the Rafael Landivar University, in the course: valoration of architecture and territory. Students are progressively immersed in the topic, from the bibliography to field visits, endingin the scale representation of an architectural model. This experience allows participant to learn about architecture, its compositional elements, its construction technique and materials, all whitin the framework of the appreciation of material and intangible cultural heritage. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 75-78.

Identity Symbolism: Cultural Significance in Tobong Monument and Balairung Hotel

The romantic perception of vernacular architecture, often rooted in nostalgia, significantly influences its use as a symbol of cultural identity. Referring to the works of Paul Oliver and Robert Redfield on vernacular architecture, exploring romanticism and attitudes towards vernacular buildings as well as the differences between them. Tobong, a tower structure for brick burning, and Hotel Balairung in Jakarta are examples of two buildings related to vernacular architecture that can symbolize culture and society and the romance of the past. Rooted in local production traditions, Tobong transcends its functional purpose to become a symbol of cultural heritage and the significance of vernacular architecture to this day. Similarly, Hotel Balairung represents the adaptation of the vernacular architecture and culture of West Sumatra, which can symbolize regional pride and economic development. How vernacular structures like Tobong being made into monuments and Hotel Balairung represent the cultural significance and adaptability of vernacular architecture, my argument is that both vernacular architecture buildings, Tobong being made into a monument in Godean Yogyakarta and West Sumatra architecture being used as a hotel in Jakarta, show variations of the significance and adaptability of vernacular architecture in the present era. Through a comparison method of two buildings that elevate vernacular architecture, this article shows the connection between vernacular buildings and their cultural identity, as well as their ability to be used in various contexts of adaptability, and significance in shaping communitiesKeywords: sentiment, vernacular architecture, monument, culture, identity

Sustainable Design Methods Translated from the Thermodynamic Theory of Vernacular Architecture: Atrium Prototypes

In the context of China’s sustainable development and dual carbon goals, research on thermodynamic architecture theory and vernacular architecture increasingly aligns with international trends, developing distinct characteristics. This research addresses the challenge of rapid changes in the built environment by focusing on climate adaptability and passive technologies. However, the development of thermodynamic theory in vernacular architecture faced technical limitations in the early 21st century and was later overshadowed by the industry’s reliance on active technologies to meet green building standards, resulting in a reduced role for architects in the green building field. This article traces the origins of passive architecture, rooted in vernacular architecture, and applies thermodynamic theory to explore architectural prototypes. It examines the theoretical feasibility of architectural design in achieving low-carbon and sustainable goals, aiming to fill a gap in thermodynamic theory within the broader context of sustainable architectural development. After demonstrating the various passive prototypes inherent in vernacular architecture, this paper proposes a courtyard prototype focused on residential comfort for design translation and analysis. The research methods employed include bioclimatic charting, balance point temperature analysis in time series, and extensive computer simulations. Through the process of prototype extraction, performance analysis, validation, and optimization, the paper systematically discusses sustainable design methods within the framework of thermodynamic architecture theory. It also provides practical demonstrations of these methods across four distinct climate regions in China. By translating vernacular architectural designs, this research systematically organizes the theoretical framework for architects’ early involvement in low-carbon and green building design, offering a theoretical foundation for initiating the design process through prototype translation while guiding the generation of green ecological buildings.

Investigate Sustainability Aspect in Spatial Configurations of Javanese Vernacular Architecture: Case Study of Joglo House

Abstract This research focuses on the unique spatial designs and variations found in the Joglo houses of Juwana, Pati, in Central Java, a region celebrated for its indigenous architecture. The Joglo house, a fundamental component of the Javanese cultural identity, is often inherited through generations without any formal written records, leaving its architectural details in scholarly discussions. The purpose of this study is to explore the spatial characteristics of spaces in the Joglo house that support the sustainability. The study employs the space syntax methodology to investigate the spatial interrelations among rooms in 16 Joglo houses then the 5 representative houses were picked to be analysed mathematically. By using the justified plan graph analysis, it identifies specific patterns and categorizations in the relationships between rooms, thereby uncovering the intrinsic architectural principles. The findings reveal that all the representative floor plans have a corridor as the most integrated space and there is a distinct separation between public and private spaces. This study bridges traditional knowledge and scholarly research, highlighting the intricate architecture and cultural significance of Joglo houses.

Garden Travelogues

In this article I introduce the alien view of the traveller, the view from outside, as presented in a number of travel narratives describing the type of the domestic enclosed garden in Nicosia. I focus on three books published between the fourteenth and twentieth century, and do a comparative analysis of the narratives based on the information they provide about Nicosian gardens. I investigate how this knowledge can be used to develop design strategies for gardens as a typology in architectural and urban design. As a demonstration, I discuss the project ‘Nicosian Garden Network’, which uses the historically iconic element of the garden and its narrated spatial qualities as an answer to the problem of urban fragmentation and the presence of a large number of unused plots in the city of Nicosia. The project incorporates unused sites of different sizes into a network of shared semi-public urban spaces that could reconnect the landscape, create conditions of sharing by the different communities on a daily basis, and regain its iconic presence in the contemporary city. The article aims to contribute to the discussion about ways in which travelogues, guides and other forms of travel literature can construct a field of knowledge about vernacular architecture and implement contemporary approaches to architectural design.

Climate-responsive wada architecture: a bioclimatic design for climate change resilience

ABSTRACT With rising living standards and a growing global population, the energy consumption of buildings is predicted to soar. Energy efficiency and occupant comfort may both be enhanced by constructing buildings with climate-sensitive design principles in mind. The traditional architectural style of a given region, known as vernacular architecture, has changed throughout the years to accommodate the local climate. One example of a vernacular style of building that made use of climate-responsive design to produce energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing structures is the Wada style, which is located in the Pune region of India. The performance of the traditional Wada House envelope and its thermal characteristics are being researched in this study. This study investigates the thermal performance of traditional Wada houses, utilizing simulation models, validation, and analyzing climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2080. Research shows that passive design principles are widely used in Wada architecture to control inside temperatures and cut down on energy usage. Insulation through thick walls and roofs, orientation to reduce solar heat gain, and natural ventilation are all part of these measures.

Classification and Distribution of Traditional Grass-Roofed Dwellings in China Based on Deep Learning

Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are important components of Chinese vernacular architecture. Building a comprehensive nationwide database of traditional grass-roofed dwellings is crucial for the inherence of this cultural heritage and its traditional ecological technologies. This study proposes classifying traditional Chinese grass-roofed dwellings into three types according to recognizable appearance features. Based on the YOLOv8 deep learning framework, a recognition model is constructed to recognize and spatially locate various grass-roofed dwellings from the image dataset on a county-level. Further, by conducting spatial overlap analysis with a variety of natural and socio-environmental factors on ArcGIS, their influences on the distribution pattern of traditional grass-roofed dwellings were examined. The study findings are as follows: (1) Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are concentrated on the southeast side of the Hu Line with different distribution patterns according to their types. (2) The natural environment influences the original construction and distribution of traditional grass-roofed dwellings in terms of the growth of grass resources and the ecological adaptability of grass material. (3) The development of economy, population, and urbanization pose challenges to the retention of grass-roofed dwellings. This research provides useful references for the precise preservation of various grass-roofed dwellings and introduced a novel approach for the classification of traditional buildings.

“Who Eats the Forest?”: Forest Animacy among the Bahnar People of Vietnam

In this paper, we explore Bahnar perspectives on the agency of plants and forest, and human–forest relations in Vietnam. The Bahnar are among Vietnam's 54 recognized ethnic minority peoples 1 , many of whom live in proximity to the forest, gather its resources, and regard it as a spiritual abode in their cosmology. The Bahnar (Ba Na) people who inhabit the Central Highlands and are the main focus of this article have traditionally relied on the forest for subsistence, practising swidden cultivation, hunting birds and mammals, and gathering plants. Their forest knowledge is transmitted primarily orally; through the lexicon, everyday discourses, stories, and songs. It is acquired through participation in forest-related activities and informal learning of arts such as vernacular architecture, basketry, canoe-building, and textiles. The Bahnar see spirits in things in nature with which they have a connection or routine interactions (stones, streams, and trees) but not in everything. The Bahnar spiritual connection with the forest also guides their husbandry of increasingly scarce forest resources, such as rattan used in basketry, and large trees needed to make canoes. Certain plants and trees are protected by taboos, and certain parts of the forest are considered sacred, inhabited by gods and spirits, and not to be touched. Forests possess animacy for the Bahnar in that they are sensitive and responsive to a wide range of human behaviours, and must be treated with respect and care. This human–forest–spirit relationship is the primary lens through which the Bahnar perceive nature, and guides their daily interactions with it.

Harnessing Vernacular Knowledge for Contemporary Sustainable Design through a Collaborative Digital Platform

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising and disseminating vernacular architectural knowledge with a focus on sustainable practices that are both culturally and environmentally conscious. The platform builds upon lessons learned from similar projects, offering key improvements such as the adoption of a Case-Based Reasoning methodology, which organises examples by geographic location, materials, and intervention types. A structured classification system based on sustainability principles and strategies enables cross-disciplinary research and comparison. The design process was highly participatory, incorporating user feedback at every stage to ensure the platform is accessible to a wide range of users, including designers, scholars, craftspeople, and the general public. A cross-device, user-centered approach further broadens its accessibility. The platform provides a public, web-based geospatial repository where users can create, update, and explore a dynamic collection of artefacts, design models, people, and institutions from across the globe. This tool marks a significant advance in promoting and preserving both physical and intangible heritage, with strong educational and practical applications for sustainable architecture. The paper details the theoretical framework and real-world potential of the platform as a critical resource for promoting sustainability in the built environment.