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Phalombe

Chokwe village:

 

This structure is constructed with burnt bricks and the front porch has a small element of the "treaqua" style with the flarred columns. The roof is constructed  from blue-gum and bamboo with reeds being laid down tightly spaced.  The roof structure is tied together with strips of discarded tire, which is a very common element.

Milepa village:

 

These two structures are similiarily constructed with a verandah and overhang surrounding all four sides of the the building. The walls are constructed with sun dried bricks and were built at the same time, 12 years ago. Thatch is stored being ready to be applied.

Mwambo village:

 

This simple structure was constructed with burnt bricks and has no platform or base. It is raised one layer of brick but a typical base is almost 1 meter tall. The two front windows will have glass which was not commonly found.

Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture

Roof overhang on the side of a burnt brick structure.

Close up of roof construction The reed layer on top will support a final layer of thatch.

Close up on the underside of the roof construction. The bamboo is tied to the roof poles.

Reeds on bamboo... on bamboo poles... on gum poles... on burnt brick wall.

Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture

Underside of roof on the verandah, thatch conected to poles.

Poles are embedded into the verandah.

Decorations on the front wall.

Narrow, raised verandah wrapping around all sides of the house.

Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture
Malawi vernacular architecture, Malawi architecture, Malawi traditional architecture, Malawi indigenous architecture, Malawi, African vernacular architecture, African architecture

Backside of a simple, small burnt brick structure. There is no verandah or pedastel.

Roof structure is small bamboo poles on larger bamboo poles. Brick column on porch supports roof structure.

Download all the pictures from Phalombe district on my Flickr gallery.

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