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Sunday, October 24, 2010

Vernacular Architecture

Buildings, homes and structures that use methods of construction using local resources and traditions. This method has been refined by trial and error over many generations. Why isn’t it used in mainstream society? Why is wisdom of generations being ignored and lost?

Here are some reasons:
- Convenience – A vernacular house requires time and lots of labor for construction and maintenance. It is definitely easier to buy a pre-made, low maintenance house.
- Perception- In today’s wealth and image based society, a vernacular home is associated with poverty and low-class living. The turf houses may come off as dirty, dark, and lacking technology and sophistication.
- Land – Do all or most vernacular homes require tracts of land? Would they work in the suburbs? In cities?

In the movement towards sustainable living, low tech vernacular housing makes more sense than the high tech houses covered in solar panels. The vernacular homes address more of the issues of how we should be living with the earth, mimicking its set up rather than trying to control or dominate the earth. My father is an architect and I am interested to hear what he would have to say about this type of architecture.

There are quite a few benefits to building vernacularly. (I think they outweigh the potential negatives)
- Gaining New Skills- Building this way taps into cultural knowledge of the area. It demands that a builder looks at each problem with fresh eyes and develop problem solving skills. There are no cookie cutter solutions.
- Connection with Land and Space – Building this way allows an intimate connection with the space created. The builders grow roots just like the surrounding plants and trees.
- Less Expensive- Buying less and from local sources means less cash out of the pocket/bank account.
- Community Building – Many tasks are easily done by unskilled neighbors and friends. Barn raisings become grand events where work and play intermingle and networks form.

I want to build according to local tradition. It just makes sense.


To the left of the door is the turf wall we helped build this past weekend.



Here is the old farmstead, an example of Icelandic vernacular architecture.


by Cassie Bodette

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