The traditional construction of single-family homes has many aspects to consider. Starting because it is carried out “in situ” and because at the same time it involves a series of very complex and specific activities.
Although industrialized construction has revolutionized the field of architecture in recent decades, there is still much to thank traditional construction.
This type of construction has unique and distinctive characteristics, and its work execution systems are also peculiar.
On this occasion, we will delve into traditional construction from the approach of single-family homes.
We will tell you what relationship they have, what are their main characteristics and their most outstanding elements.
What Is A Traditional Construction?
A traditional construction uses practically manual methods. Likewise, the structures are formed by beams and bases of columns, which support the entire weight of the construction.
Previously, the vast majority of single-family homes served this type of construction, both in Spain and in many other countries of the continent.
Therefore, it was common to use natural, transformed and less processed materials. The most effective were lime, stone, wood, earth and hand-made bricks.
Single-family homes
On the other hand, a single-family home must be correctly defined. Basically, it is a property inhabited by a single family.
This means that they differ from multi-family or collective houses. In other words, they do not refer to urban farms, much less to residential complexes.
In addition, it is important to note that there are several types of single-family homes (depending on the development of each construction).
Some can be paired and have contact from the outside, while others can be isolated, (obviating contact with other homes).
At the same time, there are semi-detached single-family houses. In simple words, they are those that have a single-family house on each side.
Main Features Of Traditional Construction
The traditional construction has very imposing and defined characteristics, such as those we share below:
- The materials used from the beginning of the construction work are more ecological or friendly to the environment. (Unlike modern and industrialized construction).
- The works are able to overcome the ravages of time with robustness and efficiency. In fact, single-family homes built under a traditional system are fully durable.
- Since brick is often used, it is common for spaces to have optimal insulation from the outside.
- Single-family homes that adhere to a traditional construction are easier to reform.
- The durability and nobility of the resulting buildings has never been questioned.
- In some countries, traditional construction is also known as “wet construction”.
- It is a construction system consisting of load-bearing walls or a reinforced concrete structure.
- Masonry walls tend to be made of load-bearing brick, stone or blocks.
- Traditional single-family homes also have interior plasters, sheet metal, flat slab, ceramic tile roofs and plastic or metal pipe installations.
The Traditional Building System
At this point you should already be clear that the traditional construction system has very resistant structures.
Also, we have just told you that its walls are made of masonry. But it should be added that traditionally built single-family homes also have:
Walls
These are built with various materials. Usually, a mixture of cement and sand is used to get them to stick or compact correctly.
The walls transmit the load of the slabs, or beams, to the foundation and interior floors of the house.
These can be hollow or massive, and it is necessary to flatten them to improve their appearance.
An important aspect to know is that the walls cannot be moistened before coming into contact with the mortar mixture. (Otherwise, they could contract or expand.)
Additionally, it is feasible to use polystyrene panels with a kind of armor coupled with steel meshes and bars.
These facilitate the erection of dividing walls, ceilings, slabs and walls. As if that were not enough, they are excellent thermal and acoustic insulators.
Also, partitions are very common in this type of construction. These are clay bricks, or annealed, that are bonded with the mixture of mortar, sand and cement.