The vernacular houses of Naxos represent a significant part of the island’s architectural history, offering a window into the daily lives of its inhabitants. These houses were designed to meet both the practical needs of the household and the unique challenges posed by the island’s climate and geography. Over time, the simple forms of these dwellings evolved into more complex structures, but the core principles of functionality and resourcefulness remained at the heart of Naxian architecture.
The Simple Origins of Naxian Homes
The most basic form of a Naxian house was a single-room dwelling, typically rectangular in shape. Each corner of the room served a specific function to meet the household’s essential needs. This early design reflects the modest, utilitarian lifestyle of the island’s early inhabitants. As the population grew and families became more established, the need for larger, more specialized living spaces became apparent. This led to the gradual development of more complex homes, often achieved by combining two or more single-roomed structures or by expanding a single room to accommodate multiple functions.
The Evolution of Two-Storey Homes
As the island’s inhabitants adapted to their environment, two-storey homes became increasingly common, particularly in the town of Chora. This design allowed for better use of the limited space available, particularly in urban areas where land was a precious commodity. The lower floor typically housed the kitchen, a central feature of the home, where a fireplace was installed for cooking and heating. In addition to the kitchen, the lower level often included a dining area, a storage room, and basic toilet and washing facilities. In many cases, these rooms were built slightly below street level, a design choice that helped to protect the interiors from the island’s strong winds and provided additional insulation from the heat.
The upper floor of the two-storey house was reserved for the more formal living spaces, including the reception room or sitting room. This area was typically larger and more ornate, reflecting the growing influence of the bourgeois class on the island’s architectural style. The sitting room, often designed with elegant furnishings, was a space where the family would gather and entertain guests. Off to the side of the sitting room were the bedrooms, which were functional yet often simply decorated, focusing on comfort rather than extravagance.
Architectural Features and Innovations
One of the most distinctive features of the Naxian vernacular house was the use of an internal archway or vault. This architectural element served to both link and separate different areas of the house, reflecting the need for distinct spaces within the home for various activities. The archways were often constructed to accommodate different levels or functions, creating a sense of both unity and separation within the house.
An important element of the design was the internal staircase, typically made of stone. These stairs were steep, a result of the limited space available, and were often without balustrades or handrails. The steepness of the stairs reflected the pragmatic use of space, as every square inch of the home was utilized efficiently. Beneath the stairs, it was common to find additional facilities, such as the washing and toilet areas. The stairs led up to a “boudi” or balcony on the upper storey, which provided access to the rooms on the second floor. Some houses even featured additional small wooden balconies, independent of one another, which added to the charm and character of the structure.
Roof Design and Functionality
The roofs of these vernacular houses were flat and surrounded by a low parapet. This design was not only practical, providing additional outdoor space for drying clothes or storing goods, but also served an important function in collecting rainwater. The roof was designed with a slight slope toward the center, where a stone or plaster channel directed the water into a gutter system. This system allowed the household to collect rainwater, an essential resource on an island where freshwater could be scarce.
The roofs were constructed from beams made of Greek juniper wood, which was both strong and resilient. These beams were often reinforced with cross beams or hatchbeams to provide additional support. Over the beams, planks or wattles were laid, followed by a layer of dried seaweed and two layers of earth. This multi-layered construction ensured the roof was both waterproof and insulated, an essential feature in a region where temperatures could fluctuate dramatically between summer and winter.
The Thick Stone Walls and Small Openings
The walls of the vernacular houses in Naxos were typically made of thick stone, providing both structural stability and insulation against the harsh weather conditions. These walls were then plastered and whitewashed, giving the buildings a clean, bright appearance. The exterior walls often featured only a few small openings, with narrow windows designed to protect the interior from the island’s strong winds. Despite their small size, these windows allowed enough sunlight to enter, ensuring that the house remained well-lit and warm.
The doors and windows were typically made from wood, a material that was readily available and easy to work with. While the main entrance often featured a fanlight with simple ironwork, the windows were more utilitarian in design. The ironwork in the fanlights and basement windows added a decorative touch while also serving a practical function, helping to secure the house from outside threats.
Heating and Cooking
In these traditional Naxian homes, the fireplace was primarily used for cooking. Located in the kitchen, the fireplace was a key feature of the household, providing both warmth and a space for preparing meals. The design of the fireplace was simple but effective, often rectangular or bow-shaped, with a shelf for cooking utensils and a recess beneath it for storing firewood.
In other rooms, such as the sitting room, heating was provided by braziers, which were portable and could be used in different areas of the home. The fireplaces, with their distinctive chimneys, were an important feature of the house’s exterior. These chimneys came in various shapes—round, square, or rectangular—and often featured unique chimney-pots made from broken earthenware jars, cones, or other materials. These picturesque chimneys were not only functional but also added a distinctive visual element to the homes, completing the overall aesthetic of the building.
The vernacular houses of Naxos stand as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the island’s people. These homes were designed with a deep understanding of the local environment, and their structures reflect a balance of practicality and aesthetic appeal. The evolution of these homes from simple one-room dwellings to more complex two-storey houses illustrates the adaptation of Naxos’ inhabitants to their changing needs and circumstances. Today, the vernacular houses remain an integral part of the island’s architectural identity, providing valuable insights into the past and offering a lasting legacy of traditional island living.