VERNACULAR 1700 - Present

What Happened After 1950?

After 1950, additional building and planning controls were introduced. This meant that materials such as mud, clay and straw were no longer popular as walling and roofing materials. Modern materials, such as concrete, steel, brick and man-made roof tiles, which more easily satisfied regulations for fire control, heat loss and structural stability, were used. This resulted in a loss of character for vernacular buildings.

Developed Vernacular Houses

Most of the vernacular housing that exists today has developed from earlier traditions. If people required more space they adapted and extended their original home. Traditionally this would be by means of a linear extension or by raising the roof and making the building two-storey

The Future

The on-going development of a vernacular house is part of its story through time. People who recognise the historic value of a vernacular house want to be able to retain its character whilst providing twenty first century living accommodation. A careful and sympathetic approach to alterations will provide a house with modern standards of living while retaining the charm and unique character. A conservation expert will help you retain a building’s historical character. In planning the conversion of rural vernacular buildings it is important that the contribution of the setting is recognised and retained. This ensures that the house continues to blend into the landscape.

The Mourne Heritage Trust is undertaking a programme of restoration of vernacular houses. www.mournelive.com

Remember!
Repair rather than replace.
Use traditional and sympathetic materials and accepted building techniques.

The New Vernacular
New houses in the countryside which use elements derived from traditional vernacular buildings blend in better than imported styles.