Construction Techniques of Hayat Houses: Two Case Studies in the Vicinity of Izmir

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the analytic studies on constructional aspects of the hayat house typology with an eye on its historical evolution for conservation purposes. The method used included a review of the surviving examples of the typology in Izmir and its vicinity and the selection of two intact examples whose structural components are legible: one from the earliest period and the other from the latest period. The examples selected are Kerimaga Konagi in Birgi, odemis, Izmir and a house in Kirkagac, Soma, Manisa. The early example (probably eighteenth century, constructed over the remains of an older house) sustains the traditional box system in its wooden upper story that integrates with the roof. The provision of level differences on the upper floor, the traditional relationship of the sitting level-window design, and masonry base are its authentic features. The late example (probably early twentieth century) presents signs of modernization, such as the establishment of a systematic wooden roof and wall frames in relation to each other, lack of diagonals in the perpendicular wall frame, avoidance of projections, and relatively elongated windows placed at higher positions.