Vernacular Architecture: Learning from the past for the future

What is Vernacular Architecture?

Vernacular architecture is an architectural design style and concept that reflects the geographic and cultural context of the site and surroundings, focusing on local construction with traditional and regional materials. While later architectural styles may have become similar, vernacular architecture has always been unique as a response to the site. It is considered a symbol of the cultural identity of a particular region and accommodates the specific needs and values of the region and culture.

Vernacular architecture is often interpreted as traditional architecture. Most traditional vernacular buildings are simple, less than thraee storey's high, constructed in local materials. Rural dwellings are an example of vernacular design which also includes agricultural, educational and religious buildings.

The History of Vernacular Architecture

The word vernacular comes from the Latin word “vernaculus” meaning domestic or native, usually related to a country. Its etymological origin already tells us what vernacular architecture is – design that identifies a specific region which is also native to where the material source. Vernacular architecture may be considered as one of the oldest architectural design concepts. Nowadays, numerous materials are available at our disposal, in all types and sizes, but centuries ago, that was not the case. Until the Industrial Revolution, we humans built with whatever materials were available locally. The rapid development in various industries has given us countless construction materials and systems that accelerate the process from beginning to end. By the late 19th century, even the houses in rural areas had lost their vernacular identities.

Identifying The Characteristics of Vernacular Architecture

There are two major attributes related to vernacular architecture – tradition and context. These attributes bring about the uniqueness of vernacular design that reflect the origin and customs of respective ethnicity.

Tradition also refers to the tried-and-tested construction techniques of built forms that have survived the test of time over multiple generations. On the other hand, contextualisation realises the sensitivity of the site and its cultural and geographical context which includes topography, landscape and climate. The resulting bioclimatic characteristics are well-suited for sustainable development that focus on passive design strategies.

Vernacular Architecture Characteristics

• Application of traditional construction techniques and crafts
• Traditionally established building types and forms
• Features responsive to the environment and climate
• Features responsive to social and communal use
• Use of local materials that focuses on function over beauty

For a successful vernacular design, understanding the site is of utmost importance. By studying the site, architects can determine the features best suited to each location. The main site analysis includes -

• Site context and topography - the site and its existing conditions affect the design as they inform appropriate use of the site.

• Orientation - The building should be oriented along a direction that ensures favourable ventilation and thermal comfort.

• Shading - For thermal comfort, the analysis includes sun path and shade patterns.

• Ventilation - cross ventilation is necessary especially in hot and humid climates to regulate humidity and heat.

Materials Often Associated with Vernacular Architecture

Wood is the most common construction material and we can find it in most vernacular buildings. It is a locally sourced material that can be found anywhere in the world. It is also well-known as a sustainable material.

In addition to wood, mud and clay are also common materials associated with vernacular architecture as they are readily available on-site.

What is the Purpose of Vernacular Architecture?

A Building That Responds to an Unique Site

Modern architecture has taken away the uniqueness of each regional design as more and more buildings look deplorably similar despite their different site locations. Take Shanghai Tower by Gensler, one of the most sustainable buildings in China, as an example. Remove it from the current site and place it in, say, Berlin, and it would not look out of place.Then, take a traditional house of Southeast Asia and place it anywhere out of the region, it will be so out of place that it would disrupt the urban scene.

Another easy example is the stilt houses in flood-prone regions. These can be found in many tropical regions or temperate regions close to rivers (see the example of vernacular architecture in Assam below). The stilt houses are raised on a stilt or pillars lifting the main superstructure off the ground, and away from potential flood water.

That is why vernacular architecture is unique to each region, no matter where in the world. However, we can categorise the characteristics of this architectural style, and in doing so, understand its uniqueness.

Understanding Tradition

Understanding vernacular architecture allows us to notice the local traditions, environment and ways of living of the local community. The valuable link it provides between the past and current helps us understand the local construction techniques and crafts and allows architects to incorporate its features and values to other architectural concepts.

The features of vernacular architecture differ throughout the world; it responds and contributes to the characteristics of the local landscape.

We have lost many vernacular buildings, especially in booming towns and cities, in recent decades to make way for larger constructions. Many conservationists and organisations have raised the awareness to protect these buildings in an attempt to preserve the age-old features and construction traditions.

Cheap and Ecological Local Materials

The focus of the vernacular concept is on local construction techniques and materials. People leaned towards high-tech buildings while looking down on vernacular ‘rural’ architecture as it was often associated with remote or poorer regions where the lack of resources and finances resulted in the use of locally available materials.
However, the rising costs and the environmental damage, caused by the construction industry, prompted the industry professionals to seek out ecological solutions. These solutions lie in the use of locally sourced materials and resources, to cut down on carbon footprint and energy consumption.

Vernacular Architecture for Sustainability

Responding to the locality is a must for sustainable design, hence understanding the local vernacular design allows architects to create a better, site-responsive sustainable architecture.

Vernacular architecture is all about addressing the needs of individual occupant as well as a local community using what is already available in the surroundings. It is ecological, economical and practical with a proven record of energy efficiency and sustainability. It is a style that existed way before the invention of electricity, light bulbs and air-cons. Its features accommodate users without relying on electrical energy by only utilising natural conditions (this is the reason why site analysis is extremely important!)

For example, the wind catchers found across the Middle East and South Asia. The chimney-like structures were the air-conditioning systems in the hot desert climate. They provide passive and efficient ventilation for thermal regulation by simply making use of the hot and cold air movement.

Different Types of Vernacular Architecture Buildings

Although there is an assortment of structures within vernacular architecture due to the diversity of different regions and cultures, here are some well known examples from across the world.

Ranch House

A style unique to American architecture, ranch houses have a wide floor plan with a single storey. They first appeared in the 1920s and are still present in the suburbs, built in a combination of modern and vernacular techniques. Some of their features include-
- Single story
- Usually L-shaped
- A connection to the outdoors with emphasis on backyard and other outdoor spaces

Thatched Cottages

Surprisingly, we can find these cottages in many parts of the world, though they use the vernacular elements in different styles. The main feature is the thatched roof, a roof made of straws or any vegetation. Japan still has many rural villages well known for their thatched-roof houses.

Igloos

Igloos are much rarer than other structures, found mostly in Alaska, Canada and Greenland. These geodesic dome structures are built out of snow bricks stacked together.

Vernacular Elements Within Contemporary Architecture

We are now living in unprecedented times of rapid technological advancement. Digital technologies, like BIM (Building Information Modelling) and Parametric Design, have given rise to faster construction processes and increasingly complex designs. However, architects have come to realise that traditional construction is as vast and relevant. It has been tried and tested over centuries, perfect to take inspiration from!
Moreover, the technology has created a barrier between the built form and the site, necessitating a better connection between nature, site and the design. Many green architects have turned to vernacular design philosophies as solutions for creativity and sustainability.

3 Distinct Vernacular Architecture Styles in India

Vernacular architecture in India shows the country’s diverse traditions respective of each region. Like many architects worldwide, sustainable architects and architecture firms in India are also learning from the vernacular strategies for a greener construction.

Bunga Houses

These are traditional houses of Rajasthan and Kutch, known for their sturdy structures that can withstand earthquakes. Circular in shape, they are climate responsive and built using traditional materials like mud and thatch. The circular form minimises facade exposure to the extremely hot climate.

Indigenous houses in Assam

As a way to brace against the frequent floods, some 80 core houses were built using bamboo in Assam after the devastating floods in 2017. The idea was inspired by the traditional methods of construction in the area that are both environmentally sustainable and climate-responsive. Some of these houses are on stilts while others have a higher plinth level but in a single storey. They can be built together with materials such as mud, wooden planks and other lightweight materials.

Koti Banal Architecture of Uttarakhand

This architectural style is nearly 1000 years old, built to be able to resist earthquakes in a high seismic region like Uttarakhand. These imposing structures reflect the understanding of earthquakes, local materials and sensibilities to the site. They can be up to 3-4 storeys high despite being in an earthquake-prone region. The most common materials used are timber and stone that are abundant in the region.

Vernacular architecture is a reflection of time, culture and location with the climate-responsive approach at its core. The design strategies behind vernacular architecture provide us with an established connection between occupants and the environment. While it may have diminished against the modern technologies, the concept and its features are getting the fitting recognition for their sustainable benefits.

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