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Rumphi

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

William village:

 

A narrow verandah is on the front of the home with a sitting platform around the other three sides. A yellow decorative band is at the base.

Mtambe village:

 

Very simple and small structure that is constructed with mud plastered over wood members.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Mkalawa village:

 

Theis small home was built with just mud. There is not a continuos verandah but does exist on all four sides.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Mbawala village:

 

Home made out of burnt bricks and has very small and few windows.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Kilipula village:

 

A rammed earth home is being constructed using form work. The form is three pieces of wood.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Kilipula village:

 

Home has a plastered front while the sides are not to show off the burnt bricks. Burnt bricks are considered a superior material and people want to show this.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Kandewe village:

 

This pedestrian bridge has been around since 1904 and is still in use.The bridge crosses the South Rukuru River in Northern Malawi. It is just worked upon when it is needed. There is no concrete or steel. The bridge is composed of wood branches, bamboo and vines.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Eliya village:

 

Burnt brick home that also has a kitchen that is constructed in a similar method.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Chome village:

 

This home has a small porch with a large support pole. The base is painted with vertical bands. A small sitting area is on the front but does not go around the home.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Chisoka village:

 

Burnt brick structure with two substantial columns ona big porch. The windows were filled in with bricks with openings to allow light but able to knock out for a frame and glass.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture

Chisaka village:

 

Home has decorative patterns at the base.

malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture
malawi architecture

The structures in this compound were all plastered white with a painted yellow band at the base.

View down the front verandah. The verandah is protected by the roof but it is quite narrow.

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Latrine having the same decorations as the rest of the structures.

Kitchen has a large opening on the side of the wall.

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This pole was originaly built into the wall and due to it's shape was sticking out of the wall.

View of the front of the home with a covered front verandah.

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Close up of the base of a grainery.

There is a sitting area around the entire home, but it is not continous. The front verandah is freshly plastered.

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This is a sisal plant, which will be used as straps to connect poles.

Bricks creating a pattern in the window.

View of the side of the home.

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View of rammed earth construction.

Rammed earth construction, three layers were built and then left to dry before the next ones are done.

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Wood form used to construct the walls.

Rammed earth construction, there are other structures in the homestead constructed in this way.

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Underside of roof structure on verandah. Plastic is above a layer of reeds. which is then supported by poles.

View of the front verandah. Walls are built high to allow for the entrance door on the side.

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Nature is used to define the boundaries of the homestead.

Close up of the roof structure, the reeds are tied to the roof poles with bark.

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View looking accross the bridge.

Ramp to the bridge from the ground.

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View on the ground by the river looking up at the bridge.

The bridge is constructed of vines, poles and bamboo.

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Kitchen is a two room structure, one room being storage and the other where the fire is kept.

Backside view of two structures built with burnt brick.

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Small triangular opening. This allows in little light but provides security.

Top of porch is plastered black, with a decorative trim along the base.

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The entrance to the latrine has painted decorations as well.

View of the underside of the roof, tightly laid reeds are supported by gum poles.

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Close up of brick column supporting the roof structure on the front porch.

Window openings were meant for frames and glass but have bricks added until it can be afforded.

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Wood pole supporting the roof structure is not at the edge of the verandah.

Window openings on front porch are slits in the wall, done for security.

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Painted decoration at the corner of the home.

Reed mat being stored on the dide of the home, will be used to sit on.

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

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