Urban planning and sustainable architecture: Lessons from Matmata
The troglodytes are one of the most distinctive instances of North African vernacular architecture. Many of the outstanding examples of troglodyte architecture in the world may be seen in Matmata. The troglodytes of Matmata were acceptable construction types that met the practical and aesthetic demands of the people who lived there. These earth-sheltered homes are exceptional examples of humans successfully adapting to an often-hostile environment.
Matmata homes are an excellent example of sustainable construction since they are energy efficient, ecologically friendly, and cost-effective. This study intends to not only evaluate Matmata’s houses, but also to reintroduce the notion of earth-sheltered architecture in the North Africa in a way that addresses the demands and challenges of 21st-century residents.
Because of our current global problems, population growth, natural resource depletion, and environmental calamities, it is critical to integrate development and architectural practice with the notion of sustainability. The notion of sustainability in general pushes us to revisit, appreciate, and analyze vernacular architecture and its concepts. The tremendous range of climate, topography, and culture found across the world influences vernacular architecture. Indeed, vernacular architecture is a reflection of a way of life, a social structure, creative activities, and architectural adaptation to climate, geography, culture, and religion.
When compared to a normal home, this is the key area where an earth-sheltered house saves money. In some places of the north Africa, this may not be true throughout the year, but it is likely that the amount of heating/cooling necessary in an earth-sheltered structure will be decreased, resulting in lower power bills. Temperature changes are less extreme in an earth-sheltered structure than in a surface building. In compared to traditional dwellings, earth-sheltered housing provides a particularly safe living environment in the event of natural calamities.
The use of local materials and architectural adaptations to society conventions and demands, as well as the environment, contribute to a feeling of place. The architecture of Matmata will be examined in detail in order to comprehend its qualities and benefits, which contributed to the town’s overall social, economic, and cultural success. Matmata is a fantastic example of how the preservation and adaptive reuse of vermicular architecture, together with a commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity, can result in a significant commercial success. Matmata teaches us about how a small community may completely benefit from its cultural and artistic legacy.
Matmata’s geography is hilly, with deposits of loess (clay with enough gypsum to function as a binding agent) in the little valleys between the lime stone mountains. The Matmata Troglodyte is one of the most popular forms of underground houses. Rooms in Matmata are typically 4 to 5 meters wide by 8 to 10 meters long with a height of around 3 meters for big rooms, and 3 to 4 meters wide by 4 to 5 meters long with a height of 2.5 meters for smaller rooms. Matmata’s soil cover varies between 6 and 7 meters from ground level to room ceiling.
Olive trees are utilized for doors and some modest furniture in Matmata, where they are extensively spread. Many architects were inspired by the basic yet brilliant design of an earth-sheltered residence with spaces clustered around a central court yard. Because of the resulting microclimates and general reduction of temperature within the units, earth sheltered or underground construction has been proven to be a viable alternative to conventional design, especially in climates with harsh climatic conditions, as evidenced by historical and modern precedents. Because of this dual use of land, earth sheltered houses may be erected on smaller plots than traditional houses while still providing enough area for outdoor life. This makes earth sheltered housing particularly effective for medium-density housing complexes, a kind of building that will undoubtedly expand in popularity as the world’s population rises and cities get larger. The building’s cost is being reduced, and there are various reasons for this: A-Energy Costs That Are Lower.
Earth-Sheltered architecture is one of the passive energy solutions that exemplifies man’s quest to live and protect himself from harsh climates while also providing a safe and comfortable living environment. Matmata, in southern Tunisia, is an excellent example of a whole community of earth-sheltered structures. This study will concentrate on its houses, or Troglodytes, which are unique instances of architecture that blends into its surroundings. These buildings were the people’ method to escape the hard climatic circumstances, and their abundance was owing to the good soil conditions, as Matmata is a desert region with temperatures routinely exceeding 50 degrees in summer.
High winds, hail storms, lightning strikes, tornadoes with their attendant damage from flying debris, and other natural calamities are all mitigated by the strengthened construction of an earth-sheltered home, which is surrounded by and covered with soil. Structures that are earth-sheltered are less likely to collapse during an earthquake, which is when the majority of deaths occur. They believe that the most significant impediment to the adoption of earth-sheltered homes is that the general people will not tolerate living in such structures, particularly if they are unaware of the benefits they give. Most people believe that earth-sheltered structures cost more to build than conventional structures, yet this is still a contentious subject.
Others contend that, in many cases, earth-sheltered building is less costly than identical above-ground structures. The application of such a construction approach is strongly suggested, based on the above-mentioned advantages and the adaptability of earth shielded structures to the severe environment of the North Africa and the cultural and social preferences of its inhabitants
The house’s major living areas will all have windows that open onto the court yard, and the outside walls and roof will be totally covered with dirt. In this way, the outdoor court yard creates a visual link with the outside world, generating a sense of spaciousness and reducing the negative feelings associated with entering a subterranean structure by addressing different psychological issues regarding direction, natural light, and so on, as well as observe.
The depth of soil cover on the earth-sheltered structure is another design aspect that must be addressed. The goal of this study is to reintroduce earth-sheltered structures to North Africa. Preserving the natural terrain and surroundings at a number of sites where modern constructions might detract from the sight.
Earth-sheltered homes, for example, are outstanding examples of human beings successfully adapted to an unfriendly environment. While the problem of energy consumption has never been identified or addressed in the way that it is now, Matmata’s vermicular architecture has used passive design strategies to maximize the region’s potential and the limited resources of its surroundings. Matmata is a well-known tourist location with complementary architecture and natural surroundings.
