The Hanoak House as a flexible and adaptable vernacular precedent for modern architecture

Abstract

Globally the adverse effects of climate change necessitate the implementation of resilient systems that respond to escalating weather fluctuations and increased urban vulnerability. This requires a shift from the traditional efficiency-focused solutions, towards robust, responsive and flexible models. While novel technologies are being developed to address these needs; existing vernacular examples also present innovative solutions. The purpose of this study is to analyse vernacular solutions, in this case Korean Hanoak housing typologies, in terms their integration of flexible and adaptable spatial and technological systems to inform modern applications. As research method, the study firstly employed an unstructured observational method to document the spatial and technological elements of these vernacular precedents, followed by an intersubjective literature review of these precedents to understand the historic context. As main conclusion the study identified seven design principles to inform the development of flexible and adaptable modern architecture solutions. These include: holistic, integrative design; articulated and reciprocally layered systems; nested levels of flexible and inflexible systems; appropriate scale identification; and appropriate technology use. As contribution, this article analyses existing vernacular precedents and highlights principles that can be applied in various contexts to develop locally responsive and flexible architecture.