Abstract:
Vernacular architecture is one of the main tangible cultural heritages that for centuries
have been contributing to human lives by helping them cope with their environment. The
rural areas of Ethiopia are enriched with stunning vernacular settlements, compounds,
and housing units that have distinct patterns and characteristics. Konso is one of the
oldest rural fortified settlements filled with different vernacular housing typologies in
Ethiopia. Even though this vernacular heritage has survived the past hundred years, they
have passed through a certain type of transformation. This affects the unique types of
materials and construction techniques that were used by the vernacular house designers
which in turn influences the vernacular houses to lose their cultural and social
significance in the community.
This study aims to create a clear image of the Konso vernacular attributes that can be
adapted to new housing developments whereby the identity of Konso's cultural heritage
can be preserved in times to come.
A qualitative type of research was conducted using an explanatory case study method in
the Dara and Gamole villages of Konso Zone Karat town administration. The study used
both multi-stage sampling and purposive sampling methods. This study used both primary
and secondary types of data sources. In this research, a total of 10 vernacular households
were selected for the observations and an in-depth interview of 4 local elders and 3
traditional house experts was performed. The data gathered were analyzed using the
thematic analysis method.
The findings of this study are that Konso vernacular houses have undergone a complete
and partial type of transformation in the different aspects of the Konso vernacular houses.
These transformations are in terms of spatial arrangement, building material and
construction, and the residential compounds. The transformation process is a result of
many factors like urbanization, globalization, availability of building materials, and poor
policy framework. The study also finds out that climate is not the factor for the
transformation in the case of Konso.
