Revalidating vernacular techniques for a sustainable built environment by way of selected examples in the Eastern Cape

[摘要] English: Contemporary design and construction methods often entail large amounts of wastage, highconstruction costs, high energy consumption for heating and cooling, and thus a large carbonfootprint, which limits their sustainability. While South Africa's granting of much-needed houses tothe indigent population is noteworthy, the quality of these houses sometimes leaves much to bedesired. In addition, the cultural identity of the inhabitants of these houses is being lost.The purpose of this study is to determine if vernacular architecture and building techniques could bea possible solution to the above-mentioned problems concerning contemporary design in theEastern Cape. Five case studies were conducted for this research. The first involved a perceptionanalysis - through a questionnaire - of inhabitants of vernacular and contemporary homes inuMasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet. The next two case studies involved documenting the now-demolishedLuxolweni community on the outskirts of Hofmeyr and three now-demolished rondavels surroundingHofmeyr. The last two case studies are of recently-built contemporary designs. The first is avernacular building in rural Centane and the second is a building steeped in innovations forsustainability in East London.The main results from the study revealed that the material properties of vernacular buildings are inmany ways superior to their contemporary counterparts (these houses are cooler in summer andwarmer in winter), vernacular homes are considered socio-culturally acceptable by their inhabitants,vernacular techniques can be successfully incorporated into contemporary architecture and thatinnovations can be incorporated within vernacular architecture for longevity. It was concluded thatvernacular architecture has the potential to improve human settlements and the sustain ability of thebuilt environment, as well as strengthening the cultural identity of the local populace. This researchis relevant in a country where buildings are often unsustainable and housing is lacking, as it offers apotential solution to these problems.

[发布机构] University of the Free State