On designing vernacular architectural models

[Andrew zippy]

Another example. The walls of Cornish vernacular houses were lime-washed, but there's no lime in Cornwall, the nearest is the next county of Devon, a hundred miles away, it was brought to Cornwall by coastal trading boat...and perhaps in return, the Cornish traded them slate.

[maurice]

Thanks for the definitions of vernacular architecture

Kevin
The cottage pictures were lifted from Street View. This link should take you to Truro Street
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33..../data=!3m1!1e3
notice the Cornish names of the surrounding streets which also contain some original cottages in various conditions.

You might also be interested in the Paxton Sqare Cottages described here
Paxton Square cottages in Burra
and located at
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33....7i13312!8i6656


Andrew
Slate only started being mined at Mintaro, 34km from Burra, in 1856 so wasn't available in time for these cottages. It's extracted in enormous slabs and is reckoned by some to be "superior to any slate previously known." !!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mintar...and_Flagstones
Much of Adeaide and the south east of the state sit on good quality limestone and sandstone, so no shortage, or of other types of stone.

Burra Creek has deeply eroded banks and in the early days up to 2000 people are thought to have been living in dugouts cut into the creek walls, not particulary healthy but at least cool in summer. Can I assume they also count as vernacular.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/82134796@N03/14254676723
http://s144.photobucket.com/user/tim...Creek.jpg.html

For anyone interested this page gives a brief history of copper mining at Burra
http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/burra.htm

[Kevin WS]

Andrew - thanks for your further comments! Interesting!

I think at the end of the day, definitions aside, we both have a clear perception of what vernacular buildings are , and we are also probably both aligned!

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Maurice,

Thanks you very much for the further information you provided, and for going to the trouble to provide the links. Appreciated!

I will be exploring tonight when I get home!

The Burro Creek buildings would also be vernacular. Don't let the discussion between myself and Andrew on the definition of vernacular architecture confuse you!

I think you have a pretty good idea already! I still think though that a key part of the definition is the exclusion of formally architect designed buildings...... Local buildings made by local people!

[Andrew zippy]

Thank you Maurice. The dugouts in the creek sides probably are vernacular, in the sense of home because they are mentioned in the book series Little House on the Prairie when the family move into one, and which benefited from Pa's DIY skills. Vernacular probably also includes tree houses, and marsh/riverside dwellings on stilts.

Maurice, this alleged 'finest slate in the world', is there any record of it still giving its workers silicosis? That wasn't a recognized restrictive issue for past workers, but it sure is a no no now.

Kevin, depends who you call an 'architect', as hundreds of years ago what were termed 'builders' both designed as well as built properties of all kinds, it was all part of their guild training. People though didn't have to be officially trained to produce their own, or someone else's property, as you say, they might have acquired skills from their community, much like some people I know in my own village, who both farm, and also build. I've never heard any mention of qualifications. The only thing it appears the council worry about is conforming to building regulations, and I think qualifications only prove an issue when you want peace of mind about safety and insurance.

By the way, my village might have some very clever individuals who can run up a converted barn-cafe, but it's a real puzzle why each November it has to take the entire male population of several hundred to turn out to put up a handful of Christmas lights! So maybe there's such a thing as Santa's vernacular decorations

[Andrew zippy]

And an also by the way, a few years ago when a cargo ship shed thousands of tons of timber onto our coast, within hours almost the entire population of South West Cornwall suddenly became vernacular architects. Now while our government is desperately attempting to pour billions into a faltering housing industry, the solution might be much simpler...hang on to tax payer's cash and simply arrange a few more shipwrecks!

[Kevin WS]

Andrew - re the "architect".

I am not certain to be honest, but I interpret it in the definitions as in the sense more of a modern architect - in other words someone who specialises is designing buildings, but not someone who would build them with their own hands or resources.....

I actually think this is key to the vernacular architecture definition.

The common definition of an architect seems to be a person professionally engaged solely in the design of buildings.

[Andrew zippy]

Sorry i've been out of touch. I've had a small stroke which lost the use of my left arm for a while, also completely lost my voice. I was very lucky and so am much better now, except for my fingers which are now very painful and can't handle small models any more. Hopefully it might improve... am also finding it painful to type. I now have to take 23 tablets a day, the extra is to try and prevent another stroke. Just thought I'd explain I'm not being rude. My very best wishes to you all

[Kevin WS]

Andrew, so sorry to hear this.

I have sent you a PM, which see!

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Along the lines of vernacular architecture, see here....

Water Mill - A Boat Mill Variant!