Traditional Architecture
Northern
Houses
 There
are a number of features that differentiate the typical northern
style house from those in other regions of the country, but the
most obvious is the use of the highly visible plain or highly decorative
roof kalae. The kalae is the diagonal cross feature located on the
roof at each gable end of most houses.
Another,
but not so obvious feature, is the size of the windows - that are
invariably smaller than elsewhere, due to the cooler climate in
the north. Another way northern house makes use of the available
heat is by combining the living areas with the kitchen area in an
open-plan way.
The
outer walls are commonly built to slope outwards, towards the roof,
for extra strength. Some northern houses in the more remote and
rural areas even have thatched roofs. Like in some other regions,
it is common for the overall structure of the northern house to
be raised on stilts or pillars. This offers a measure of protection
against flooding and also wild animals - though these are increasingly
rare nowadays. A front facing veranda or balcony is also a common
feature.
For
more information on traditional architecture see:
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