Traditional Materials and Techniques in Mozambican Construction: A Path Towards Sustainability
摘要
Mozambique’s vernacular architecture represents a sustainable and climate-adaptive construction model, integrating locally sourced materials and traditional building techniques. This study explores how traditional Mozambican housing typologies—such as the Nyanja House, cylindrical dwellings, and adobe or wattle-and-daub constructions—respond to environmental conditions and socio-economic needs. These structures provide high thermal efficiency, natural ventilation, and resilience to extreme weather, but face challenges related to modernization, regulatory barriers, and material degradation. Field observations and interviews conducted in Gorongosa National Park communities reveal that vernacular construction is still widely practiced but undergoing rapid transformation. Younger generations are increasingly adopting cement blocks and metal roofing, often due to the perception of traditional materials as outdated or less durable. However, modern construction methods frequently result in higher costs and reduced thermal comfort, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that merges tradition with innovation. This study proposes a catalog of traditional materials and construction techniques, serving as a reference for policymakers, architects, and builders to enhance the resilience and sustainability of vernacular housing. The research aligns with the Guideline for Resilient Housing Construction (Republic of Mozambique, 2020), identifying hybrid construction approaches—such as stabilized adobe, reinforced bamboo framing, and elevated foundations—as viable solutions to extend the lifespan of traditional dwellings while maintaining their environmental and cultural value. By integrating these reinforced techniques into national building policies and housing programs, Mozambique can preserve its architectural heritage while promoting affordable, disaster-resilient, and sustainable housing solutions. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing vernacular knowledge as a valuable resource in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.