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VERNECULAR EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE GARDENS

 

Author: Ioana Petrache — Urban Horticulture, Master I, USAMV
Supervisor: PhD Sidonia Teodorescu

Definition and Theoretical Framework

Vernacular constructions for sustainable gardens are structural build elements that enhance on long term ecological, cultural, and aesthetic functions, based on local traditional materials, with no negative impact and low maintenance.

Examples: walls, pergolas, hedges, ponds.

They align with EU Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) frameworks (European Commission, 2020; EEA, 2021):

“Solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience.” (Climate Adapt EEA)

“The Commission defines nature-based solutions as ‘solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience.’” (EREA EU Research & Innovation)

Part 1 — Criteria for Sustainable Constructions in Gardens

CRITERION 1: LONG TERM POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Increase biodiversity and soil stability
  • Retain and filter water naturally
  • Reduce heat islands and sequester carbon
  • Gain value over time through ecological succession

 

Based on: Nature-Based Solutions Handbook (European Commission, 2020).

CRITERION 2: ABSENCE OF NEGATIVE IMPACT

  • Harmonize with natural and cultural context
  • Avoid visual, ecological, or heritage degradation
  • Use local, low-impact and renewable resources (eg stone, wood, clay, compost)

CRITERION 3: LOW IMPACT OF MAINTENANCE

  • Avoid usage of polluting materials and energy-intensive resources (chemicals and fuels)
  • Support biological rather than mechanical processes

CRITERION 4: LONG-TERM CULTURAL VALUE

  • Encourage community participation and knowledge sharing (Jones & Stenseke, 2011).
  • Vernacular architecture is not simply about tradition, it provides a sense of continuity and belonging, rooted in place and community. (Oliver, 2006, p. 345 & 421)

 

Criterion Main Objective Indicators Value Type
Long term positive environmental contribution Biodiversity, soil stabilization, water purification/ retention Species count, vegetation density, analysers, measurements Ecological
No negative impact Cultural and ecological harmony Visual assessment, absence of pollution Cultural/ Ecological
Low-impact of maintenance Energy economy, minimal upkeep Materials types, reduced consumption Material/ Economic
Long-term cultural value Cultural identity preservation Durability, community involvement Cultural

 

Part 2 — Examples of Vernacular European Constructions for Sustainable Gardens

PONDS WITH BENTONITE (UK)

  • Traditional sealing method with natural sodium bentonite clay (blanket/ sprinkle method).
  • Watertight ponds supporting aquatic biodiversity and water quality. Approved by UK Environment Agency (2014).

PERMEABLE PATHS (FRANCE)

  • Historic gravel paths allowing infiltration and cooling.
  • Integrated into modern SuDS frameworks (sustainable drainage of soil) with new materials.

https://www.susdrain.org/ (CEREMA).

TURF HOUSES (ICELAND)

  • Semi-buried houses with vegetated roofs.
  • Dated since IXth century.
  • Natural insulation and complete landscape integration.

UNESCO Tentative List (2011).

WOVEN FENCES (ROMANIA/ BALKANS)

  • Built from willow or hazel branches.
  • Regenerable, permeable, low-carbon boundaries.
  • Ethnographically documented (Muzeul Maramuresului)

VINE ARBOURS (BALKANS/ ITALY)

  • Pergolas providing shade and seasonal productivity.
  • Trentino system standardized for viticulture (AWRI, 2018).

SEMI-UNDERGROUND GREENHOUSES (UK, HOLLAND)

  • Example: ‘Pineapple pits’ in 19th-century Britain.
  • Early passive heating using soil mass and compost

(Lausen-Higgins, 2008). (Walipini systems in Bolivia share same principles.)

DRY STONE WALLS (APPENNINES / IRELAND/ FRANCE)

  • Art of dry stone construction, knowledge and techniques was inscribed in 2024 in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • Biodiversity corridors and erosion control (Manenti, 2014; Hollingsworth, 2020).

LIVING CORRIDORS AND FLOOD RESILIENCE

LIVING CORRIDORS AND FLOOD RESILIENCE

Modern “eco-ducts,” “wildlife overpasses,” or “green bridges” are vernacular-inspired.

Bibliography

Books

  • Oliver, P. (2006). Built to meet needs: cultural issues in vernacular architecture. Germany. Architectural. (Part I, Defining the field, p. 28-44.)
  • Jones, M., & Stenseke, M. (2011). The European Landscape Convention, p. 229 Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9932-7

Studies

  • Manenti, R. (2014). Dry stone walls favour biodiversity. DOI: 10.1007/s10531-014-0691-9
  • Hollingsworth, L. (2020). Forb assemblages of dry stone walls. DOI: 10.33928/bib.2020.02.352
  • Lausen-Higgins, J. (2008). Pineapple growing: Its historical development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24823/Sibbaldia.2008.34

Web and Institutional Sources

Photos

hortiurb@gmail.com

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