An Essay on HUTS and Vernacular Architecture

Before mass production, chain stores, national supply chains and large-scale tract home developers, housing typologies were dictated by local conditions and material availability. Broadly, these home designs fall within the category of Vernacular.

Vernacular housing refers to any style of architecture that is based on local needs, materials, and traditions. When referring to American home styles, vernacular housing responds to several key factors:

1. Local Materials and Resources

• Wood: Many early American homes, especially in forested areas, were constructed from timber.
• Brick and Stone: In regions where clay or stone was abundant (like the Southwest or inland New England, respectively), homes were built from these materials.

2. Adaptation to Climate

• Southern States: Homes often feature large porches, high ceilings, and large windows to promote ventilation in hot, humid climates.
• Northern States: Homes are designed to retain heat, with smaller windows and steeply pitched roofs to handle heavy snowfalls.

3. Functionality and Practicality

• Farmhouses: Designed for practicality and often include large kitchens and multiple outbuildings for agricultural use.
• Shotgun Houses: Common in the South, these narrow homes are efficient in their use of space and materials.

4. Cultural Influences

• Indigenous Architecture: Influences from Native American building techniques and designs, such as adobe structures in the Southwest.
• Colonial Styles: Reflecting the architectural traditions brought by European settlers, such as British, Dutch, and Spanish influences.

5. Evolution Over Time

19th and 20th Centuries: As industrialization and transportation improved, new materials and styles became available, leading to eclectic mixes of design elements.

Post-War Suburbia: Mass-produced homes that were designed to be affordable and quickly built, often lacking the distinctiveness of earlier vernacular styles.

The patterns of American Vernacular housing styles are familiar to us, even as most contemporary housing has little to do with the place where it’s built. Vernacular housing forms are intertwined into the US’s aesthetic DNA, and are the backdrop for our national mythologies and histories. When we come across dense collections of American Vernacular housing, they signal a sense of place. Here are some examples of American Vernacular housing styles:

• Cape Cod: Originating in New England, featuring steep roofs, shingle siding, and a simple, rectangular shape.
• Saltbox: A variation of the Colonial style, with a long, pitched roof that slopes down to the back.
• Log Cabins: Initially used by early settlers, made from logs with simple, sturdy construction.
• Bungalows: Popular in the early 20th century, known for their low-pitched roofs and wide porches.

Vernacular housing in America reflects a diverse range of styles that are deeply connected to the geographic, cultural, and historical contexts of their locations.

The HUTS brand is a direct nod to the essay by priest-cum-Enlightenment Age monk Marc-Antoine Laugier who argued for a rejection of ornate religious iconography in architecture in exchange for simpler structures that express the fundamental relationship between nature, humans, and their essential needs. He used the concept of the Primitive Hut to illustrate his thesis.

As HUTS grows to service more regions across the country, the question becomes how do we adapt our Standards (or define new ones) to better reflect the local conditions and historical context of those areas and people?

In other words, what can a modern, tech-enabled, design-led home developer learn from and incorporate from 100+ year old Vernacular approaches?

Well, a lot.

Specifically, I see 6 areas where any responsible modern home designer, builder or developer should learn from, adapting a Vernacular mindset:

1. Localization & Sustainability:

Historical vernacular styles utilize locally-available materials, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. Modern design can adopt this principle by sourcing sustainable, regionally-available materials, reducing the environmental cost of shipping and transport.

2. Climate Adaptation:

Vernacular homes were designed to cope with local climates, using features like thick walls for thermal mass, strategic window placement for natural light and ventilation, and overhangs for shade. Contemporary designs integrate these elements to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. Techniques such as cross-ventilation, earth sheltering, and thermal mass can be employed to minimize reliance on artificial cooling and heating systems.

3. Focus on Functionality:

Historical homes were often designed with multifunctional spaces to accommodate various activities and needs. Modern homes can benefit from flexible layouts that adapt to changing lifestyles. Smaller, well-designed spaces that maximize functionality and minimize waste can be inspired by vernacular efficiency.

4. Resilience and Durability:

Vernacular buildings were often constructed to withstand local environmental challenges. Contemporary designs can focus more on resilience to improve durability against climate change and natural disasters. Using time-tested construction techniques and durable materials can reduce maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of modern homes.

5. Environmental Harmony:

Vernacular architecture often harmonized with the natural landscape, minimizing disruption and enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Modern design can aim to blend structures seamlessly with their surroundings. Incorporating natural elements and green spaces can improve residents' well-being, promote biodiversity, and promote indoor-outdoor living patterns.

6. Cultural Context and Continuity:

Integrating elements of local culture and aesthetic traditions create homes that resonate with residents and preserve regional identities. Traditional designs often reflected communal living and social interaction, which can be reintroduced to foster a sense of community in modern developments.

Today, HUTS strives to address many of these ideas in each project, but we can and will go further. By learning from historical vernacular styles, HUTS can create more sustainable, resilient, and culturally meaningful homes that meet the needs of modern living while preserving local traditions and environments.