The Vernacular Architecture as a Model for Sustainable Design in Africa

The Vernacular architecture as a model for Sustainable design in Africa Page 1

The Vernacular architecture as a model for Sustainable design in Africa.

Mr Bonginkosi G. Mabaleka [email protected]

Aim In this piece of writing the writer will make particular reference to vernacular

architecture in Africa in the country Libya and Zimbabwe and how it has developed

and what determines the vernacular architecture in these selected countries. The

writer will examine how vernacular architecture has developed over the years and

how modern sustainable design has adopted elements of vernacular architecture.

The aim of this research is also to explore and evaluate the architectural design

elements that can be adopted from the vernacular architecture in Africa and seek

solutions from traditional architecture, in order to come up with cheaper and better

ways of providing good standard sustainable buildings and spaces for rural areas

and cities. The research mainly addresses the Africa situation and we expect this to

assist in the process of eradicating poor perception of the vernacular architecture by

most Africans. This paper will examine some vernacular architecture in Africa to see

how it has impacted Africa and it has been in harmony with the environment.

Abstract

Vernacular Architecture is increasingly becoming a subject of major interest not only

to architecture theorists, but also to designers and technologists for very many good

reasons. It has now become very apparent, that although technological

advancement brings modern civilization to our communities, it also accelerates the

disappearance not only the style of life which has been developed over a span of

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many centuries, but also the very veins of cultural identity which are so vital for the

survival of any society.

The onslaught of modern technology has robbed our communities of the construction

skills and environmentally sensitive design of their dwellings. “Modern Architecture”

is becoming more and more environmentally unfriendly not only to people, but also

to the surrounding natural environment, including the excessive use of energy in

cooling buildings. That is why we have to revert back to vernacular architecture to

see how we can be salvage the vernacular principles and use them in sustainable

architecture. There has been a turn around after years of environmentally unfriendly

materials and bad architecture to sustainable building materials and construction

methods.

Introduction

Vernacular architecture concepts where developed and used through the centuries

by many civilizations across the world through trial and error, hence architectural

styles are different and based on the local conditions. Vernacular architecture around

the world is impressively rich with indigenous techniques early ancient people used

to protect themselves from the diverse weather conditions they were subjected to.

These early dwellers survived by sheltering themselves in the traditional buildings,

which have been experimented on through the ages.

In vernacular architecture, not only the climatic problems were resolved, but also the

aesthetics, physical and social functions of the dwelling is considered this is why the

designs are so different across Africa. Generations after generation, the dwellings

provided comfortable life conditions as a result of the great architectural experience.

Very good examples can be drawn from the cross section of Africa that is from

northern part of Africa, Libya to the southern part of Africa, South Africa. The design

or structure of these early dwellings or settlements was determined by things like

climate, culture, environment and materials. Their dwellings seemed to live in

harmony with their surroundings, other words they were sustainable.


Architects are responsible for most modern construction and can be considered to

be the people responsible for the enormous consumption by the building industry of

the very scarce energy resources available. More and more architects are becoming

aware of this big problem and are advancing the concept of "green" and sustainable

design. The architectural community has had a strong and continuing interest in

vernacular architecture. This has been rekindled by the need to design an

architecture that works well with climate and environment, rather than against, hence

the need to create more sustainable buildings.

This awareness means that the new designs and any refurbishment have to be

sustainable. Vernacular architecture in the past produced a built environment which

met people's needs without deteriorating the environment. This paper discusses the

concept of how we can use vernacular architecture principles to create sustainability

in building design with the search of the vernacular in Africa.

Chapter 1

Vernacular Architecture

1.1Definition Defining vernacular architecture is not easy as there are a lot of definitions. This

paper will start by trying to define the word “vernacular”. It is derived form the Latin

word “ vernaculus” which means native domestic, indigenous ,therefore it could

mean “ native science of buildings” Paul Oliver in Dwellings says “the term

vernacular generally refers to language or dialect of the people”.

R.W.Brunskill (2006) has defined in vernacular architecture as “buildings designed

by an amateur without any training in design; the individual will have been guided by

a series of conventions built up in his locality, paying little attention to what may be

fashionable”. The function of the building is the dominant factor, aesthetic

considerations, though present to some small degree, being quite minimal. Local

materials would be used in the construction.


R.W. Brunskill (2006) goes on to say that “vernacular architecture is not to be

confused with so-called "traditional" architecture, though there are links between the

two”. Traditional architecture can also include buildings which bear elements of polite

design; temples and palaces, for example, which normally would not be included

under the fabric of "vernacular." In architectural terms, 'the vernacular' can be

contrasted with 'the polite', which is characterised by stylistic elements of design.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1996) describes vernacular architecture as a primitive form of

design, lacking intelligent thought. Many scholars disagree with his definition, when

he says that the designs lacked an intelligent thought .The designs saved a purpose

and that his definition does not look at the general vernacular architecture, he

probably looked at a small section of vernacular architecture and did not look at the

wider spectrum of vernacular architecture.

Oliver (2006), in Dwellings, goes on to say that, “as yet there is no clearly defined

and specialized discipline for the study of dwellings or the larger compass of

vernacular architecture. If such a discipline were to emerge it would probably be one

that combines some of the elements of both architecture and with aspects of history

and geography”.

Many scholars now use the term "vernacular architecture" to refer to structures made

by empirical builders, without the intervention of professional architects and without

the use of industrial components. It is still the most widespread method of building

homes across the globe according to (Rapoport 1969). All forms of vernacular

architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies

and ways of life of the cultures that produce them.

From the different definitions above of vernacular architecture one concludes that it

is a term from academic architecture to categorize structures built outside of

academic tradition. The term “vernacular architecture” has many interpretations, but

its core definition suggests structures made without the intervention of professional


architects, an indigenous but anonymous architecture, it is “architecture without

architects” says Bernard Rudofsky's (1964) in Architecture without Architects

The definition can include a wide variety of domestic and agricultural buildings,

industrial buildings, commercial structures, etc.

1.2 Types of Vernacular Architecture in Africa Paul Oliver (2006) points out that, “vernacular architecture comprises dwellings and

all other buildings constructed by the people related to their environmental contexts

and available resources”, and they are customarily owner or community-built,

utilising traditional technologies. All forms of vernacular architecture are built to meet

specific needs, accommodating the values, economies and ways of living of the

cultures that produce them.” The study of vernacular architecture explores the

characteristics of domestic buildings in particular regions or localities, and the many

social and cultural factors that have contributed to their evolution. Paul Oliver goes

on to say that “a culture without the presence of its history is a culture without roots

and meaning”.

Vernacular architecture can divided into three categories namely domestic,

agricultural and industrial. In the traditional African set up, there were two main

categories the domestic and industrial, which we shall look at in detail and industrial

in passing. The domestic architecture buildings were mainly constructed for living

and security. The domestic dwellings ranged from just a simple dwelling to bigger

and more sophisticated dwellings. The distinguishing feature of traditional vernacular

is that, design and construction are often done simultaneously, onsite, mostly by the

end users, which is the family. Some of those who eventually use the building are

often involved in its construction or at least have direct input in its form.


Fig. 1 Clay buildings in Libya Fig 2 Clay and grass thatched huts in Zimbabwe Agricultural vernacular comprises of granary, clay or grass/wood barns, these were

mostly for the purposes of their personal produce and were located within the

homestead for security reasons ,so as to deter thieves from stealing. The materials

used varied with areas and partly influenced by climate, culture and environment.

This is shown by materials used is the Libyan granary and Zimbabwean granary

respectively as shown below.

Fig. 3 Granary in Libya Fig.4 Granary in Zimbabwe Industrial architecture is less common because in came with the early settlers who

brought in the western influence in later centuries. The buildings included mills,

workshops, and kilns and for commercial building chapels and schools. (Brunskill

1992).


Chapter 2

Vernacular architecture in Africa 2.1 Factors influencing vernacular architecture

Many architects have studied vernacular architecture history their studies have

resulted in the imitative and cosmetic way of designing. This was done by the use of

indigenous building methods. The building knowledge of vernacular architecture is

passed by local traditions. This is based on knowledge achieved through trial and

error and then passed down through the generations, in contrast to the architecture

planned and designed by architects. In order for us to see how climate, culture,

environment and materials influence vernacular architecture, the writer will look at

three different regions in Africa. In North Africa we look at Libya, Central Africa –

democratic republic of Congo-DRC, and in southern Africa Zimbabwe. The above

names counties are different in climate, culture and environment.

African architecture works on a traditional village scale, rather than following global

architectural styles. African architecture is a direct evocation of its physical

environment, and it is stylish depending on tradition. The climate of Africa is

extremely varied, from forests to grasslands and to deserts. The availability of

building materials is also varied, from mud to stone and to thatch, and they change

region by region.

Vernacular architecture in Africa


` Fig.4.1 Map of Africa

2.2 Libya Libya is situated in at the northern part of Africa surrounded by countries like Algeria,

Niger, Chad, Sudan, Egypt and Tunisia. Libya is 4th largest country in Africa mostly

covered by the desert and has Islamic influence on the architecture. The climate of

the most Libya is distinguished with dryness with a big difference in temperature.

The area of Great Sahara plays a very important part in determining the climate of

the country. In the coastal area, the winter season is considered moderate, despite

the fall of snow in some high areas sometimes. Where the summer season is

considered hot relatively temperature reaches the maximum average in August and

the monthly temperature average does not exceed 30 Celsius degrees throughout

that period. There is no rain in summer.

Libya has Mediterranean climate at the areas near the coastline on the

Mediterranean Sea and Saharan climate as one moves away from the sea in land.

Some parts of Libya is covered by the Libyan Desert and some by the Sahara

desert, hence the climate has had a very big influence on the vernacular

architecture. The Mediterranean climate in Libya the dwelling often include a

courtyard with a fountain or pond so as to allow air to be cooled by evaporation and

air is drawn through the building by the natural ventilation set up by the building form.

Libya

Zimbabwe Namibia

South Africa


In the Saharan climate buildings have high thermal mass so as to keep the inside of

the building cool during the hot day and warmer at night when the building

discharges the heat accumulated during the day. The buildings also have chimneys

not for fire but to draw air in through the internal spaces to cool the building and

small windows to keep the occupants cool by not allowing too much hot air.

Climatic influences on vernacular architecture are substantial and can be extremely

complex. Climate is one of the most significant influences on vernacular architecture,

as a result of the inhabitants tried to overcome the weather conditions of the area.

Such specialisations are not designed, but learnt by trial and error over generations

of building construction, often existing long before the scientific theories which

explain why they work.

2.3 Zimbabwe Zimbabwean vernacular architecture is integrated with nature in an agricultural

society of subsistence farming. The homesteads are laid out in different ways

depending on a tribe's culture. A typical Zimbabwean homestead includes a main

house with several related structures for various functions. The warm climate makes

outdoor spaces usable year-round. Buildings in warm climates like Zimbabwe, by

contrast, tend to be constructed out of lighter materials and to allow significant

ventilation through openings in the fabric of the building.

Zimbabwe has a sub-tropical climate, temperate by altitude and it is located in the

tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year. The summers in Zimbabwe are hot with

heavy rain falls in the mountain regions and forest areas. Zimbabwean winters are

renowned for being dry and cool. There is little rainfall in the southern regions of

Zimbabwe.

Seasons in Zimbabwe

Spring: September - October Summer: November - April


Autumn: April - June Winter: July – August The traditional buildings in southern Africa ,like Zimbabwe , South Africa etc are

mainly constructed using clay moulded bricks or stone for the walls and grass

thatched roofs with opening between the roof and the walls to allow air-circulation.

The huts have reasonably size windows to allow air circulation during hot days.

.

Fig.5 Thatched huts Fig 6 round thatched hut with small windows

2.4a Climate The people living in colder climates heat themselves burning wood or organic

disposals. The people living on warm and humid climates have utilized the air

currents for minimizing the effects of humidity. The people living in the hot dry

climates built houses with high thermal mass as a result of the big temperature

differences between day and night, and very low humidity. What they have in

common is that, they all have picked up the right forms, using the local building

material, and they have overcome the negative impacts of the climatic conditions.

The buildings have to be protected from bad weather conditions, for instance in

areas with high precipitation , the clay bricks have to be recovered almost every year

with some thin clay plaster, to protect and preserve bricks.

2.4b Culture


Culture also has a great influence on the appearance of vernacular buildings. The

women often decorate buildings in accordance with local customs and beliefs. The

way shelters are used, is of great influence on building forms. The size of family ,who

shares which spaces, how food is prepared and eaten, how people interact and

many other cultural considerations will affect the space and size of the dwellings.

The decorations are done according to the customs and beliefs others express their

beliefs by decorations and other don’t. Libya has Islamic and Egyptian influence on

the architecture.

Fig.7 Decorated buildings Fig.8 Coned shaped huts Family units of several Zimbabwean tribes live in family compounds, in which

separate single-roomed dwellings are built to house different members of the family.

In polygamous tribes will share the spaces and taking into account privacy, separate

dwellings for different wives, and children. Social interaction within the family is

encouraged by the setup of the homestead, where the family sits to socialise.

Privacy is provided by the separation of spaces within the homestead.

In other cultures in Zimbabwe in the Ndebele tribe women lay the floors, mud plaster

the walls or decorate them. The preparation of the materials and erection of the main

structure done by man. But, in either case it is the passing on of methods and the

training of the children, who will be the builders of the subsequent generation, which

are vital to societies and the perpetuity of their shelter

The homesteads are carefully crafted and maintained, showing the owners' pride in

their homes. Many Zimbabwean houses are decorated with wall paintings and may


also decorate by way of variations in thatching patterns, brickwork, or woodworking

techniques.

2.4c. Environment and materials Vernacular is sustainable, and will not exhaust the local resources if done properly. If

it is not sustainable, it is not suitable for its local context, and cannot be vernacular.

Oliver, in Dwellings (2003), claims that “vernacular architecture is influenced by a

great range of different aspects of human behaviour and environment, leading to

differing building forms for almost every different context; even neighbouring villages

may have different approaches to the construction and use of their dwellings, even if

they at first appear the same”. Despite these variations, every building is subject to

the same laws of physics, which shows that vernacular architecture is not

thoughtless, as Frank Lloyd Wright suggests in his definition of vernacular

architecture, hence significant similarities in structural forms .Vernacular can be seen

everywhere in the world in it different forms where humans and have been

influenced by climate ,culture and materials.

The local environment and the construction materials it can provide, governs many

aspect of vernacular architecture. Since Libya has two types of climates, the

Mediterranean and the Sahara climates, the architecture is different near the cost

compared to inland. Materials determine the architecture e.g. clay, wood, grass

stone in some parts of Libya whereas inland clay is mostly used. Sun dried clays

bricks for the walls and then bricks are plastered with clay. The roofing is normally

packed with clay and reinforced with timber or palm then plastered with clay for

thermal reasons (Oliver 1997 p2101). In Libya because clay, the readily available

and locally sourced material that is why it is the common building material.

Vernacular architecture reflects the use of local materials and the acquisition of the

tools and skills with which to make them. Whether they’re nomadic or sedentary,

such subsistence or expanding economies will still be largely dependent on the

climate, soils, vegetation, seasons and other natural resources and phenomena. In

areas rich in trees will develop a wooden vernacular, while areas without much wood

may use mud or stone like in many parts of Zimbabwe


Fig. 9 Grass/timber hut Fig. 10 Clay/timber/grass huts Some of these structures have no distinction between wall and roof, their cladding

converges at the peak, and they look like temporary structures. These vernacular

dwellings are structurally sound , with timber frames or walls of stone or earth

supporting the separately constructed roofs. Exposed roofs to high precipitation, the

roofs may be clad with layers of grass thatch, or slate, or tiles of fired clay, which are

usually attached to a wooden framework. During construction the raising and placing

of these various building elements will often involve family and community members

working to construct the whole or a part of the shelter.

How these structures are built depends on what materials are available locally.

Some areas have good quality clay that is used to make fire dried earth bricks, burnt

fire bricks rammed earth (Velinga Oliver Bridge 2007 p24). The main materials of

brick, bamboo, thatch, and poles are used in various combinations and techniques.

The colour of brick and plaster depends on the colour of the local clay, which can

range from deep red or orange to brown or grey and white.


Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Zambian women beautify and African Painted Houses: Basotho strengthen their homes with plaster. Dwellings of Southern Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa produced some large-scale works, such as the Great Zimbabwe

in Zimbabwe, but on the whole we do not find "architects" in traditional African

building. What we find instead are traditional builders, who combined a certain

priestly function as well. Fig 11 and 12 above are all symbolic imagery of traditional

African building. Using mud may have certain technical disadvantages, but it is

probably the most expressive and inexpensive of all materials. It not only lends itself

brilliantly to surface decoration, but the very shapes of the buildings express their

functions and their ideology.

Zimbabwean vernacular architecture is organic, sustainable, and most importantly,

comfortably integrated with the local climate. The building culture is no longer being

passed on to younger generations, unfortunately, much of this architectural tradition

is in danger of disappearing. There is a widespread perception among Zimbabwean

people of thinking that modern materials are substantially better than vernacular

ones. Traditional materials and techniques are thought to be temporary, "sub-

standard," or "second class," while modern materials are seen as civilized or a

symbol of affluence. Paul Oliver in (Built to meet needs) points out that “vernacular

architecture suffers from the indifference and ignorance of its historic or social value,

and from being assigned to low status housing”, hence some indigenous people

have seen them as low status houses.


The research it shows that people will build what they believe in, turning their backs

on vernacular, looking at modern architecture as more superior. A change in

perception has the potential to revive interest in the vernacular architecture. This

perception probably prevails because missionaries and colonists built in a style that

reflected wealth and power. The local people became convinced that having

expensive imported materials was a symbol of affluence and that vernacular styles

using native materials were substandard. And yet vernacular materials are durable if

applied properly. A proper thatch job can last up to 25 years, and walls constructed

of burnt brick can last up to 70 or more years.

An African style should focus on vernacular materials, with modern materials used

as reinforcement when needed for larger structures or greater stability. Research is

needed to understand different soil conditions and to come up with load calculations

for pole and mud-brick structures. As many African countries struggle to solve

housing problems, vernacular architecture may be one answer since building

materials are proving to be expensive.

African architecture is continuing to evolve. Just as early migrating tribes and later

missionaries brought their own influences, modern construction materials and

techniques have undoubtedly affected traditions. But if people can be reassured

about the beauty and quality of their vernacular styles, positive shift back toward

tradition could be archived.

The unique qualities of African architecture can be reproduced in new structures

when the local people are persuaded that their architecture can be equally good.

People will build what they believe in, until they are convinced that their vernacular

structures are as structurally sound and beautiful as the more expensive modern

applications. A lot can be learnt from this architecture as B. A. Kazimee states that

“vernacular architecture represents more than a nostalgic longing for things and

ways that have essentially become obsolete, but rather a learning method by which

new global challenges can be addressed, which are global warming, housing crises,

and economic equality.”


Chapter 3

Sustainable design in Africa 3.1 Definition of sustainable design

Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the

health and comfort of building occupants, by improving building performance. The

basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable

resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.

(http://www.lanl.gov/environment/risk/p2_sd.shtml)

Sustainable design also called environmental design and it is the philosophy of

designing physical objects, the built environment and services to comply with the

principles of economic social, and ecological sustainability. The intention of

sustainable design is to "eliminate negative environmental impact completely through

skilful, sensitive design" Manifestations of sustainable designs require no non-

renewable resources, impact on the environment minimally, and relate people with

the natural environment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_design)

Sustainable architecture is the design of sustainable buildings. Sustainable

architecture attempts to reduce the collective environmental impacts during the

production of building components, during the construction process, as well as

during the lifecycle of the building taking into account ,heating, electricity use, carpet

cleaning etc.

3.3 Eco-buildings There are two groups of architects designing ecological buildings, the first group

employs more the advanced technological achievements, and the second group

employs the basic solutions depending on the knowledge and inherited experience .

Architects like Hassan Fathy, Rasem Badran, and Raj Rewal are belonging to that

second group of architects. These architects get their inspiration from vernacular

architecture. They are well connected to the local building traditions and reject the

architecture, which is not familiar to the built environment. Fathy has aimed to create


affordable and liveable spaces suitable to the surrounding environment, thus

improving the economy and the standard of living in rural areas. His buildings were

surprisingly inexpensive.

Nowadays the emphasis is on sustainability, in designing, the architects have to try

and design buildings that are sustainable .We have seen an era when the world was

taken by the storm of non-sustainable building after the transformation from old

vernacular style architecture to modern steel, concrete and glass construction.

There has now been the emergence of eco-buildings or sustainable buildings. We

are seeing a lot of vernacular concepts being implemented in sustainable designs

this does not mean that every concept of vernacular architecture should

implemented. In Africa we are seeing more and more developmental vernacular

architecture being used in new buildings. Some of these developments are motels

,hotels and to apart from houses, using materials like thatch, stone and timber .

They are sustainable with a touch of modern materials being used.

Fig.13 Victoria Falls safari lodge Ironically, many of the beautiful new vernacular structures being constructed are

going up in game parks, as lodges for tourists such as the one above fig13. It seems

ironic that the only new structures built in the vernacular styles were not being so

much appreciated by the natives, instead by visitors This new vernacular

architecture is called developmental vernacular architecture, it refers to the


indigenous architecture that has been modified and advanced to increase standards

of living while retaining a sense of place.

Sustainability requires a shift towards a new environmental paradigm (Milbrath),

a new way of thinking. Much of contemporary architecture and building practices

today, is often the result of high cost buildings as a result of the materials used.

Alternative ideas and methods exist to design and build effective, artistic, low cost

and low or zero energy use houses.

3.4 Construction Materials Construction materials should be selected to increase the energy efficiency of the

building, to minimise damage to the environment, to contribute to healthy indoor

environments as well as to have low life cycle impacts due to production and

maintenance. Commercial considerations, greater efficiency and environmental

sustainability can be achieved by careful choice of building materials.

Africa has harnessed a lot what can mother nature has to offer in terms of natural

building materials and methods .natural building materials are materials which

require no or small amounts of processing, and are environmentally friendly. The

common natural building materials are earth, straw, wood, stone, lime . These are

the methods that have been tried and tested and seem to work effectively, and they

i) Adobe is one of the oldest building materials and it is basically just earth that

has been moistened with water, it is sometimes chopped straw or other

fibres are added for strength, and then allowed to dry in the desired shape.

ii) Cob is a very old method it uses moistened earth, straw and other fibres, it is

quite similar to adobe, but it a has higher percentage of long straw fibres

mixed in.

iii) Ramming earth is at least as old as the Great Wall of China. It is similar to

adobe and cob techniques, in that the earth used is mostly clay and sand

no straw or fibres added, material is compressed or tamped into place,

usually with moulds or forms that create very flat vertical surfaces.


iv) Earth bag or sandbags is just bags filled with earth or sand. Sandbags

have long been used, especially by the military for creating strong,

protective barriers, or for flood control.

v) Poured earth is similar to ordinary concrete, in that it is mixed and forms like

concrete and uses Portland cement as a binder. The main difference is

that instead of the sand/gravel used as an aggregate in concrete, poured

earth uses ordinary soil. Little to no maintenance is required of poured

earth walls, since they have a high resistance to the deteriorating effects of

rain and sun.

vi) Rock dates back to the beginning of human history. It should not be

surprising that such an abundant, indigenous, long-lasting and useful

material can be utilized http://www.doomguide.com

3.5 Vernacular Architecture Inspiring the Present Day Designs in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa One of the first stabilised earth projects in Zimbabwe was the British government,

Overseas Development Administration (ODA) funded fig 14. This project was mainly

constructed to demonstrate that rammed earth could successfully support a roof

span of 8m and the use of sustainable materials (Zami & Lee 2008 p50).

Fig. 14 Bonda Classroom. Fig.15 Chimanda House under construction

http://www.doomguide.com/


This was to also to try and change the negative perception of vernacular architecture

and its materials. The Chitungwiza house is one of the few known and meaningful

developments using this form of building in Zimbabwe. The wall of this house is built

of compressed earth blocks and roofed with micro-cement tiles (Zami & Lee 2008

p51).

This was a deviation from the normal burn clay bricks or cement bricks/ blocks which

are usually used with an asbestos roof for most of the low income housing projects in

Zimbabwe. This pilot project by the Intermediate Technology Group was

implemented with the participation of the Chitungwiza municipality in 1993 as a low

income housing . The aim of this project was to evaluate the response of the people

towards earth structure and the performance of low tech and sustainable materials

used in the construction of low cost housing ( Zami & Lee 2008 p50). The use of

local labour and the absence of imported materials sent a message to the local

communities. The message that was sent was that, the solution of affordable

sustainable and low cost housing is possible. Up to now this structures stand as a

success to all players working in the housing industry in Zimbabwe. It is sad that

Zimbabwe fell back is the development if vernacular architecture to help the locals.

This was due to the political situation which led to some funders of some projects

withdrawing their funding.

Fig. 16 adobe house 16b interior of adobe house


Fig. 17 Sand bag house Fig. 18 Sand bag house South Africa which is a neighbour to Zimbabwe has come further in using vernacular

architecture as a model for sustainable design by supporting the construction of

sustainable houses. The houses have been constructed using vernacular materials

such as adobe fig 16 and 16b, clay bricks ,wood, grass for thatching ,and some

houses were constructed using sand bags as fig 17 and 18 show.

Another neighbouring country to Zimbabwe, Namibia in the town of Otjiwarongo

has gone a step further in using the vernacular architecture to building houses for the

people and other community buildings. The Otjiwarongo town was chosen because

of the quality of the clay and because of the support of its Municipality. Their

objective was to build affordable house for the community from clay which is

available for free and to promote environmentally and socially sound and sustainable

development. The first houses were building in 1996 from clay and the proved to a

success. The production of other eco-materials like micro concrete roofing and lime

tiles were started with the help of different experts from other countries. The

development of such tiles was due to that, it was the best material they could use, as

materials like grass are less available and less durable than the micro concrete

roofing tiles. These tiles corrosion resistant fire resistant, hail resistant, water proof,

and function as sound and thermal insulators.


Fig.19 Micro concrete roofing tiles

Fig.20 making clay bricks Fig. 21 House construction The use of this building material has continuously grown as the locals are happy to

own the clay built houses. The locals are involved in the construction by making clay

bricks and in the actual construction of the houses, thereby lowering the cost of

building these houses. Making use of modern construction technologies, houses are

to be long-lasting and affordable.


Fig. 22 Completed house Fig.23 House and outside toilet The peoples’ perception has changed as the realize that building with clay does not

only offer a cost-effective alternative but also leads to a more pleasant climate like

the concrete built houses, demand has become so overwhelming. The Clay House

project is now helping different communities, and teaching them on clay technology,

making strong bricks and how to build clay houses that will last longer. The standard

of these houses is of good quality such that the electricity can be installed in them.

The Namibia people have had their perception of vernacular materials reversed, they

are blending the vernacular materials and the modern materials such as Micro

Concrete Roof tiles (MCR) which are made from cement, sand and water. These are

ultra thin tiles but strong and durable.

Chapter 4 Principles of sustainable design

Vernacular architecture tends to respond to climatic conditions using passive, low-

energy strategies to provide for human comfort, and strategies that are integral to the

form, orientation and materiality of the buildings. This architecture also demonstrates

an economical use of local building resources and is, therefore an ideal resource for

sustainable design ideas. Vernacular architecture does not rely on high-tech, energy-

consuming systems for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, but on the

immediate natural systems in the local environment.


Vernacular architecture looks at a site in terms of resources and opportunities like

the town of Otjiwarongo in Namibia , which looked at what clay can do for the local

population. Factors like local breezes, number of sunny days in the year, annual

rainfall and average temperature can all be understood in terms of resources. These

resources can enable sustainable features such as full natural ventilation, mix-mode

ventilation, single loaded-exterior corridors, cross ventilation, and storm water

collection, just to name a few.

Vernacular architecture can be integrated into modern sustainable designs or

modern sustainable designs can incorporate vernacular trends in their designs,

this is to say, both vernacular architecture and sustainable architecture can both be

used to build effective low cost houses and cities.

The integration can be seen in the light of six historical principles (vernacular trends)

to improve the energy efficiency and thereby effectiveness and useability of

dwellings.

They are:

1) citing and vernacular design

2) shade

3) ventilation

4) earth shelter/ materials

5) thermal inertia

6) air lock entrances

To this list can be added six new techniques of environmental design (technologies,

methods of effectiveness, and design synthesis):

7) scale (footprint, cost), insulation, design of future alternatives

8) on site water collection and waste disposal

9) solar water heating panels

10) photovoltaic and wind electricity generation


11) recycling and use of local and durable materials

12) on site growth of food, fuel and building materials.

These twelve principles can be combined, as suitable, into synthesized solutions for

various locations, users and climates that meet cultural needs with available

materials under local conditions, effective and self-sufficient buildings. The objective

of design principles is to reduce negative impacts on the health of occupants and the

environments. To make vernacular more sustainable , it can be integrated with

modern technologies listed above ,e.g. photovoltaic, solar panels

Fig 24a Solar panels Fig 24b photovoltaic roof

Fig.24 Diagram of sustainable design techniques


Fig .24 shows different schemes that can be integrated in buildings to make them

more sustainable. The major problem with these sustainable schemes is that they

can prove to be too expensive for the majority of people.

Chapter 5

Conclusion

Vernacular architecture has been there for centuries and it has developed over the

years through trial and error. This type of knowledge has been passed on from

generation to generation and is has been tried and tested over the years. Some of

these vernacular structures have survived all sorts of harsh weather conditions. The

normal built vernacular house using clay, can have a life span of over 70 years. Now,

with the use of present knowledge of clay or earth as a building material, the lifespan

of buildings is far much more than 70 years. Vernacular architecture was once pride

and heritage to the different tribes and cultures in Africa , but as a result of

imperialism it became perceived as low status housing by those who could afford

modern building materials. This paper has shown how far Africa has come in its

architecture and where it is going.

The emerging challenges on sustainability demand a substantial revolution of

building design philosophies, strategies, technologies, and construction methods,

hence the look back at vernacular architecture, to see how we can build sustainable

buildings. A lot has been learnt in Africa about vernacular architecture, and the

perceptions of the locals are changing with help of organisations such as Overseas

Development Administration (ODA), which fund and training the locals on how to

build modern buildings using vernacular materials.

In some countries in Africa, this modern vernacular architecture has found its right

place, by helping those who could not ever afford owning a house in the townships.

The case in point can be drawn in Namibia and South Africa, where the councils

have worked with the locals to build clay houses. There are a lot of examples across

Africa of this modern vernacular architecture, but for the purpose of this study,


southern Africa had to be looked at. Zimbabwe was one of the promising countries in

vernacular architecture ,but due to the political instability it has not developed much.

The majority of Zimbabwean in the rural areas do not have decent houses and the

country has a very big housing shortage like many countries. The use of vernacular

architecture can help the poor people in the societies who cannot afford the modern

materials. The building schemes in other neighbouring countries have proved to be a

success.

The town of Otjiwarongo in Namibia is one good example of how vernacular

architecture can be a model of sustainable designs in Africa. Their objective was to

build affordable house for the community from clay which is available for free and to

promote environmentally and socially sound and sustainable development. This was

greatly achieved because the houses are both sustainable and affordable by the

ordinary people. This can now be seen as lifeline for those who could not afford

houses in towns. Such building schemes are now seen across Africa like in

neighbouring South Africa, where more and more sustainable buildings are being

built using vernacular materials. This will one day alleviate the housing crisis in Africa

at the same time, having buildings “living in harmony” with their surroundings. To

increase efficiency, vernacular architecture can be integrated with sustainable

designs to create more effective and self-sufficient buildings.

Images

Fig. 1 Syder, P. (Photographer) Traditional mud brick walled architecture.

Available at:

http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com/images/60987

(Accessed 05 October)

Fig. 2 Huts in Zimbabwe Useem, A. (Photographer)

Available at

http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com/images/60987


http://www.flickr.com/photos/religionwriter/526384026/

(Accessed 05 October 2010)

Fig. 3 Granary in Libya

Available at:

http://www.livius.org/na-nd/nasamones/nasamones.html


Fig. 4 Granary in Zimbabwe

Available at:

https:/.../africa_enquiry/africa_enquiry.htm


Fig.4.1 Map of Africa

Available at:

https:/.../africa_enquiry/africa_enquiry.htm


Fig. 5 Thatched huts

Available at:

http://www.batw.org/wp-content/uploads/sandy-sims_a


Fig. 6 Round thatched with small windows

Available :

http://www.pbase.com/magneticfish/africa_2009


Fig. 7 Decorated buildings

Available at :

http://www.farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3331553032_2d6cb

(Accessed on 15 October)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/religionwriter/526384026/

http://www.livius.org/na-nd/nasamones/nasamones.html

https://www.bssc.edu.au/public/facilities_services/library/research/VCAL/VCAL%20-%20Africa2/africa_enquiry/africa_enquiry.htm

https://www.bssc.edu.au/public/facilities_services/library/research/VCAL/VCAL%20-%20Africa2/africa_enquiry/africa_enquiry.htm

http://www.batw.org/wp-content/uploads/sandy-sims_a

http://www.pbase.com/magneticfish/africa_2009

http://www.farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3331553032_2d6cb


Fig. 8 Cone shaped huts

Available at:

http://www.colourlovers.com/uploads/2008/09/orange


Fig. 9 Thatch/timber huts

Available at

http://www.Imagescitynoise.org/upload/


Fig. 10 Clay, timber, thatch

Available at :

http://www.nymuseums.com/lb02114t.htm

(Accessed 24 November 2009)

Fig. 11 Zambian women beautify and strengthen their homes with plaster. Photo :

Jon Sojkowski.

Available:

Fig. 12 African Painted Houses: Basotho Dwellings of Southern Africa

Gary N. Van Wyk

Fig.13 Victoria Falls lodge

Available at

http://www.architecturelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2

(Accessed 6 Nonember2009)

.

Fig.14 Bonda classroom The Built & Human Environment Review, Volume 1,

2008:

Available at:

http://www.tbher.org/index.php/bher/article/view/6/4

(Accessed 07 December 2009)

http://www.colourlovers.com/uploads/2008/09/orange

http://www.imagescitynoise.org/upload/

http://www.nymuseums.com/lb02114t.htm

http://www.architecturelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2



Fig. 15 Chimanda house under construction

The Built & Human Environment Review, Volume 1,

2008:

Available at:



Fig.16 Adobe house

Available at:

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/.../3739


Fig.16b Interior of adobe house

Available at :



Fig.17 Sand bag house

Available at:

http://www.sandbaghouse.blogspot.com

(Accessed: 09 January 2010)

Fig.18 Sand bag house

Available at:

http://www.archiafrika.org/files/10x10-sandbag.jpg

(Accessed: 10 January 2010)

Fig.19 Micro concrete roofing tiles.

Available at:

http://www.home.arcor.de/clayhouse/

(Accessed: 04 February 2010)




http://www.sandbaghouse.blogspot.com/

http://www.archiafrika.org/files/10x10-sandbag.jpg

http://www.home.arcor.de/clayhouse/


Fig.20 Making clay bricks

Available at :

http://home.arcor.de/clayhouse/


Fig.21 House construction

Available at:

http://www.clay-house-project.org


Fig.22 Completed clay house

Available at:

http://home.arcor.de/clayhouse


Fig.23 Completed house and outside toilet

Available at:



Fig 24 Sustainability

Available at:

http://www.lawenforcement-facilities.com/sustainabil...


Fig.25 Sustainable design

Available at:

http://www.helyerdesign.co.uk/sustainability/

(Accessed: 15 March 2010)

Fig 26a Solar panel

Available at:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/toyota_may_be_devel...

http://home.arcor.de/clayhouse/

http://www.clay-house-project.org/



http://www.lawenforcement-facilities.com/sustainabil

http://www.helyerdesign.co.uk/sustainability/

http://inventorspot.com/articles/toyota_may_be_devel



Fig 26b Photovoltaic panels

Available at:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/toyota_may_be_devel...


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Oliver, P. 2006. Built to meet needs : cultural issues in vernacular

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Architecture of Africa

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Traditional Housing style in Lesotho

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http://www.galenfrysinger.com/lesotho_housing_style.htm


Sustainable design

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_design




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Learning from vernacular architecture ( sustainability and cultural conformity)

B. A. Kazimee

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Sustainable design

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Learning from vernacular architecture ( sustainability and cultural conformity)

B. A. Kazimee

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Documents

The Vernacular Architecture as a Model for Sustainable Design in Africa