These constructions have an elliptical plant, and there is no 90 degree angle inside. The walls were originally vertically placed trunks and united between them, although they have been replaced by less porous materials, such as septum or adobe. The materiality of the ceilings has been maintained over the years, being straw or palm, in addition, they are designed in two waters thanks to a large longitudinal beam. The openings were initially not necessary, because the ventilation was given by the same trunks, but today it only consists of two doors, placed one in front of the other, to achieve the famous cross ventilation. Finally, the land of the Maya were divided into three constructions, the first was the house, the second was destined for the kitchen, dining room and washing, and the third for the garden and livestock. Of course, these functional and social dynamics have been modified, and Contemporary Mayan homes have adapted to their surroundingsso that division is no longer respected.
The truth is that each region, at some point in its history, was a vernacular architecture.Jonas Schöne / Unspash.
Types of vernacular architecture
Almost all vernacular architecture can be classified according to the ecosystem to which it is inserted And, therefore, its characteristics will be similar, but not the same. The constructions in snowy areas will almost always be half -sized, and the ceilings will be curved or inclined, to prevent the weight of the snow from weakening and breaks the covers, in addition, the walls will be as thick as possible. If the architecture is arid, desert or prairie areas, it is most likely to be low height, with curved roofs that adapt to air currents, and regional materials with high thermal capacities, such as adobe or mud. On the contrary, if it is located in forests or tropical areas, the ceilings will be less inclined than if they were in the snow, but with greater angle than in arid areas, to drain them, they will also be high from the ground through palafitos to protect themselves from moisture.